LYSOGENY Meaning and
Definition
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Lysogeny is a term in biology that describes a process or state where a virus integrates its DNA into the genome of a host cell, rather than immediately replicating and causing cell lysis (bursting). This process results in a state of bacteriophage (a type of virus that infects bacteria) and host cell interaction that differs from the typical lytic cycle, in which the virus takes control of the host cell's machinery to replicate and destroy the cell.
During lysogeny, after the viral DNA is integrated into the host cell's genome, it remains dormant and is replicated each time the host cell divides. The host cell continues to function normally, and there may be no apparent signs of viral infection. This integration often occurs at specific sites in the host cell's chromosome and is facilitated by specialized viral proteins called integrases.
Lysogeny is a significant evolutionary strategy employed by certain viruses to ensure their survival and propagation. The integrated viral DNA, known as a prophage, can be passed on to subsequent generations of cells as a stable part of the host cell's genetic material. Under certain conditions, such as environmental stress or changes in the host cell's physiology, the prophage can excise itself from the host genome and enter the lytic cycle, initiating viral replication and potentially causing cell lysis.
Lysogeny has profound implications in fields such as virology, genetics, and biotechnology, as it shapes the behavior of both the viral and host cells during infection. Scientists have studied lysogeny extensively to understand the mechanisms of viral integration and gene transfer, as well as its potential applications in genetic engineering and phage therapy.
Common Misspellings for LYSOGENY
- kysogeny
- pysogeny
- oysogeny
- ltsogeny
- lgsogeny
- lhsogeny
- lusogeny
- l7sogeny
- l6sogeny
- lyaogeny
- lyzogeny
- lyxogeny
- lydogeny
- lyeogeny
- lywogeny
- lysigeny
- lyskgeny
- lyslgeny
- lyspgeny
Etymology of LYSOGENY
The word "lysogeny" is derived from two Greek words: "lysis" (λύσις) meaning "loosening" or "dissolution", and "genos" (γένος) meaning "birth" or "origin". These terms are combined to describe the process of integrating viral DNA into the host cell's genome without causing immediate lysis or destruction of the host. Lysogeny refers to a state of viral dormancy or latency in which the viral genetic material remains integrated within the host cell's DNA, allowing the virus to be passed on to subsequent generations of cells without causing immediate harm.
Similar spelling words for LYSOGENY
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