LYSOGEN Meaning and
Definition
-
A lysogen refers to a type of virus that undergoes lysogeny, a process in which it integrates its genetic material into the chromosome of the host organism. Generally classified as a bacteriophage, a lysogen can infect bacteria and archaea, causing profound changes in the host's biological processes. During infection, a lysogen inserts its genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, into the host cell's chromosome, becoming dormant or latent. This integration allows the viral genetic material to be replicated and passed on to subsequent generations of host cells when they divide.
While a lysogen remains dormant, it does not cause immediate harm to the host cell. The viral genetic material maintains its stability and proliferates alongside the host's genome. However, under specific conditions, such as exposure to certain environmental stimuli or cellular stress, the lysogenic cycle can be triggered, leading to the activation of virus replication. This transition from dormancy to active replication results in the assembly and release of new viral particles, potentially leading to the lysis or death of the host cell.
The lysogenic cycle allows a lysogen to maintain a stable and long-term relationship with its host, promoting coexistence and continued transmission of the viral genetic material without causing immediate harm. The process of lysogeny has significant implications in viral evolution, as it provides a means for virus-host coevolution and the potential acquisition and dissemination of new genes.
-
An antigen causing the production of a specific lysin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LYSOGEN
- lysogenic
- lysogenie
- lysogeny
- kysogen
- oysogen
- ltsogen
- lgsogen
- lhsogen
- lusogen
- l7sogen
- l6sogen
- lyaogen
- lyzogen
- lyxogen
- lydogen
- lyeogen
- lywogen
- lysigen
- lyskgen
- lyslgen
Etymology of LYSOGEN
The word "lysogen" does not have a widely accepted etymology, as it is a term coined in the field of molecular biology. However, looking at its structure, the term can be understood by examining its components.
"Lysogen" consists of two parts - "lyso" and "gen". "Lyso" is derived from the Greek word "lysis", which means "loosening" or "dissolution". This refers to the process in which a virus integrates its genetic material into the host cell's DNA without causing immediate harm or destruction.
The second part, "gen", is derived from the word "gene", which signifies a hereditary unit or a segment of DNA that contains specific genetic information.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
