Which term describes a virus that can enter the host cell and either replicate lytically or integrate into the host genome?

Which term describes a virus that can enter the host cell and either replicate lytically or integrate into the host genome?

• A. Virulent phage
• B. Temperate phage
• C. Lysogenic phage
• D. Inducible phage

Answer: (B)

Understanding phage life cycles: some viruses can either kill the host promptly or hide in the host genome. A phage that can do either is called a temperate phage. After infection, it may enter the lytic cycle, making new virions and lysing the cell, or it may integrate its genome into the host chromosome as a prophage and be replicated along with the host. When conditions trigger induction, the prophage can excise and switch to the lytic cycle. This dual capability distinguishes temperate phages from virulent phages, which are typically restricted to lytic growth and do not establish lysogeny. While lysogenic phage and inducible phage terms describe related ideas, temperate phage most precisely captures the described dual life cycle.

Understanding phage life cycles: some viruses can either kill the host promptly or hide in the host genome. A phage that can do either is called a temperate phage. After infection, it may enter the lytic cycle, making new virions and lysing the cell, or it may integrate its genome into the host chromosome as a prophage and be replicated along with the host. When conditions trigger induction, the prophage can excise and switch to the lytic cycle. This dual capability distinguishes temperate phages from virulent phages, which are typically restricted to lytic growth and do not establish lysogeny. While lysogenic phage and inducible phage terms describe related ideas, temperate phage most precisely captures the described dual life cycle.