A Bacteriophage That is Physically Integrated into the Host Chromosome

Question

A bacteriophage that is physically integrated into the host chromosome is called a ________.
A) heteroduplex
B) envelope phage
C) prophage
D) plaque

Accepted Answer

When a bacteriophage integrates its DNA into the host chromosome, it becomes a prophage. This means that the viral genetic material is replicated along with the host DNA during cell division, and the viral genes are passed on to daughter cells. This integration is a type of lysogeny, which is a state of dormancy in which the phage does not cause lysis of the host cell. It can remain in this state until a trigger, such as stress or damage to the host DNA, causes it to become active again and enter the lytic cycle. Heteroduplex refers to a DNA molecule that is composed of two strands that are different in their nucleotide sequence or origin. Envelope phage refers to a type of virus that has a lipid bilayer membrane derived from the host cell when it exits from the cell, whereas plaque refers to a clear area of bacteriolysis on a bacterial lawn that is caused by a virus.