Define the term prophage.

Name: Problem 16, Chapter 8: Essentials of Genetics
Uploaded: 2022-04-15T01:31:42-08:00
Duration: 14 s
Channel: Jennifer Stoner
Description: Define the term prophage.

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Key Concepts

Prophage

A prophage is a viral genome that has become integrated into the bacterial host's chromosome or exists as a plasmid. It lies dormant within the host cell, replicating along with the bacterial DNA and, under certain conditions, can be induced to initiate the production of new virus particles.

Lysogeny

Lysogeny is the process by which a bacteriophage inserts its genetic material into the host bacterium's genome, leading to a stable, latent state where the virus coexists with the host without causing immediate cell death. This state can persist until specific triggers activate the lytic cycle.

Bacteriophage Life Cycles

Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, exhibit two primary life cycles: the lytic cycle, where the virus replicates rapidly and lyses the host cell, and the lysogenic cycle, where the viral genome integrates into the host genome as a prophage. This integration allows the virus to remain dormant and be transmitted as the host cell divides.

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