Which of the following statements correctly describes the lysogenic cycle of lambda (λ)phage?
A)After infection,the viral genes immediately turn the host cell into a lambda-producing factory,and the host cell then lyses.
B)Most of the prophage genes are activated by the product of a particular prophage gene.
C)The phage genome replicates along with the host genome.
D)Certain environmental triggers can cause the phage to exit the host genome,switching from the lytic to the lysogenic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the lysogenic cycle of lambda (λ) phage, the phage genome integrates into the host genome and replicates along with it as a prophage. This allows the phage to be passed on to daughter cells during cell division without immediately killing the host cell. Only under certain conditions, such as environmental stress, does the prophage excise itself from the host genome and initiate the lytic cycle.  Option A is incorrect because the lysogenic cycle involves integration with the host genome, not immediate lysis. Option B is partially correct but incomplete, as only a subset of prophage genes are activated by the product of another prophage gene. Option D is also incorrect as environmental triggers cause the prophage to exit the lysogenic cycle and enter the lytic cycle, not the other way around.

Which of the Following Statements Correctly Describes the Lysogenic Cycle