The integration of phage DNA into the bacterial chromosome occurs because of
A) the phage's ability to synthesize an enzyme that integrates its DNA into the host's chromosome.
B) the phage's ability to synthesize enzymes that allow it to enter the bacterium.
C) similarity in RNA nucleotides in both the phage and the bacterial host.
D) the similarity in enzyme metabolism in the phage and the bacterial cell.
E) the phage's ability to synthesize enzymes to enter the bacterium AND similar RNA nucleotides in both.

Question

The integration of phage DNA into the bacterial chromosome occurs because of
A) the phage's ability to synthesize an enzyme that integrates its DNA into the host's chromosome.
B) the phage's ability to synthesize enzymes that allow it to enter the bacterium.
C) similarity in RNA nucleotides in both the phage and the bacterial host.
D) the similarity in enzyme metabolism in the phage and the bacterial cell.
E) the phage's ability to synthesize enzymes to enter the bacterium AND similar RNA nucleotides in both.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The integration of phage DNA into the bacterial chromosome occurs because of the phage's ability to synthesize an enzyme called integrase that integrates the viral DNA into the host's chromosome. This process is called lysogeny and allows the phage DNA to replicate along with the host DNA every time the host cell divides.

The Integration of Phage DNA into the Bacterial Chromosome Occurs