lysog

Lysog is a term derived from the Greek words "lysis" and "synthesis," referring to the process of breaking down and rebuilding biological structures. It is commonly used in the context of bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria. When a bacteriophage infects a bacterium, it can integrate its genetic material into the bacterial chromosome, a process known as lysogeny. This integrated state is referred to as a lysogen. The lysogen can remain dormant for extended periods, during which the bacterium appears normal and can replicate. However, under certain conditions, the prophage (the integrated viral genome) can excise itself and enter the lytic cycle, leading to the lysis (bursting) of the bacterial cell and the release of new bacteriophages. This process is crucial for the propagation of bacteriophages and has significant implications in fields such as molecular biology, virology, and biotechnology. Lysogeny and the lysogenic cycle are fundamental concepts in understanding viral replication and bacterial genetics.