Which of the following statements 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.
E) The phage DNA is incorporated by crossing over into any nonspecific site on the host cell's DNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lysogenic cycle of lambda phage involves the integration of the phage DNA into the host cell's genome, where it replicates along with the host genome as a prophage. This is in contrast to the lytic cycle, where the phage immediately takes over the host cell's machinery to produce more phage particles, leading to cell lysis and release of the phage. Choice A describes the lytic cycle, while choice B is not entirely accurate, as not all prophage genes are activated by the same product. Choice D is partially accurate, as environmental triggers can cause the phage to exit the lysogenic state and enter the lytic cycle, but it does not specify that this is unique to lambda phage. Choice E is not accurate, as the phage DNA specifically integrates at a particular site on the host cell's DNA.

Which of the Following Statements Describes the Lysogenic Cycle of Lambda