The lysogenic cycle can vary in duration, but it often lasts for an extended period, potentially for several generations. In this cycle, a virus integrates its genetic material into the host’s genome and remains dormant, replicating along with the host’s DNA during cell division.
Unlike the lytic cycle, which is more immediate and leads to the destruction of the host cell, the lysogenic cycle allows the virus to persist without harming the host. The actual time frame depends on various factors, including the type of virus, environmental conditions, and the health of the host organism. Some viruses can remain in the lysogenic phase for years before activating to enter the lytic cycle.