Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
lysogeny
Noun
/ˌlaɪ.səˈdʒɛn.i/
Definition
Lysogeny is a process in microbiology where a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria) integrates its genetic material into the genome of a host bacterium.
Examples
- The lysogeny of bacteriophages can lead to a change in the characteristics of the host bacterium.
- Researchers study lysogeny to understand how viruses can influence bacterial evolution.
- Lysogeny can enhance bacterial resistance to certain antibiotics.
Meaning
In lysogeny, the viral DNA becomes a part of the bacterial DNA and replicates along with it, often remaining dormant until it enters a lytic cycle.
Synonyms
- Viral integration
- Bacteriophage integration
