Most temperate phages integrate into the host chromosome, whereas some replicate as plasmids. Which kind of relationship do you think would be more likely to maintain the phage in the host cell, and why?

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Temperate phages integrate into the host chromosome and become a part of the host DNA. This integration occurs by recombination between the phage and host DNA. Once integrated, the phage DNA will be transmitted to the daughter cells of the host during cell division. This is a stable relationship because the phage DNA is replicated along with the host DNA. On the other hand, plasmids replicate independently of the host chromosome, and their retention in the host cell depends on the selective advantage they provide. While plasmids can carry other genes that give the host cell a selective advantage, they are still more likely to be lost during cell division. Therefore, the integrated relationship would be more likely to maintain the phage in the host cell.

Most Temperate Phages Integrate into the Host Chromosome, Whereas Some