PROPHAGE INDUCTION Meaning and
Definition
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Prophage induction is a biological process that occurs when a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria, leaves a dormant or lysogenic state within the bacterial genome and becomes active or lytic. A prophage is a viral genome that has integrated itself into the bacterial chromosome but does not immediately cause harm to the host cell. Instead, the viral DNA integrates itself into the bacterial genome and replicates along with it during cell division.
Under certain circumstances, such as exposure to chemical or physical stressors like radiation or ultraviolet light, the prophage is induced to excise itself from the bacterial chromosome and begin the process of viral replication. This excision occurs through the action of specific enzymes produced by the prophage. Once excised, the viral DNA takes control of the bacterial machinery, leading to the production of new phage particles and eventually lysing the host cell, releasing the newly formed viruses.
Prophage induction serves as an important mechanism for the spread of viral infection within bacterial populations and the horizontal transfer of genetic material. It can also play a significant role in the evolution of bacteria by introducing new DNA sequences from other bacterial strains or from the environment.
Understanding prophage induction is essential in various fields, including molecular biology, genetics, and virology, as it provides insights into the life cycle and behavior of bacteriophages, their interactions with host cells, and their potential impact on bacterial populations.
Common Misspellings for PROPHAGE INDUCTION
- orophage induction
- lrophage induction
- -rophage induction
- 0rophage induction
- peophage induction
- pdophage induction
- pfophage induction
- ptophage induction
- p5ophage induction
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Etymology of PROPHAGE INDUCTION
The word "prophage induction" has its roots in the field of virology. To understand its etymology, let's break down the two components:
1. Prophage: The term "prophage" is derived from the Greek words "pro-" meaning "before" or "in advance" and "phagein" meaning "to eat" or "consume". In the context of virology, a prophage refers to a viral genome (specifically, a bacteriophage) that has integrated into the DNA of a bacterial cell and remains dormant or inactive within the host genome until it is induced or activated.
2. Induction: The word "induction" comes from the Latin word "inducere", which means "to lead in" or "to bring about".
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