What is the term for the process by which a virus embeds its DNA into the DNA of the host cell and is replicated along with the host cell's DNA?

What is the term for the process by which a virus embeds its DNA into the DNA of the host cell and is replicated along with the host cell's DNA?

• A. Lysogenic cycle
• B. Lytic cycle
• C. Nitrogen fixation
• D. Retrovirus

Answer: (A)

This is lysogeny, where a virus integrates its genetic material into the host cell’s DNA and is copied every time the host DNA is replicated. The viral genome can sit quietly as a prophage and ride along with the cell’s division, potentially staying dormant until later induction triggers a switch to the lytic cycle where new viruses are produced and the cell may burst. This distinguishes it from the lytic cycle, which involves active replication and immediate destruction of the host. Nitrogen fixation is unrelated to viral replication, and while some retroviruses integrate their genome into host DNA, the term that describes the general process of embedding and being replicated with the host genome is lysogeny.

This is lysogeny, where a virus integrates its genetic material into the host cell’s DNA and is copied every time the host DNA is replicated. The viral genome can sit quietly as a prophage and ride along with the cell’s division, potentially staying dormant until later induction triggers a switch to the lytic cycle where new viruses are produced and the cell may burst. This distinguishes it from the lytic cycle, which involves active replication and immediate destruction of the host. Nitrogen fixation is unrelated to viral replication, and while some retroviruses integrate their genome into host DNA, the term that describes the general process of embedding and being replicated with the host genome is lysogeny.