A prophage replicates
A) along with its host while the lytic genes are expressed.
B) along with its host while the lytic genes are not expressed.
C) independently of its host while the lytic genes are expressed.
D) independently of its host while the lytic genes are not expressed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During lysogeny, the prophage integrates into the bacterial chromosome and replicates each time the host cell replicates. The prophage DNA is passed on to daughter cells along with the host DNA. The lytic genes are not expressed during lysogeny, so the prophage and host cell replicate together without any lysis of the host cell. Therefore, the best choice is B - the prophage replicates along with its host while the lytic genes are not expressed.

A Prophage Replicates