PROPHAGE INDUCTIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Prophage induction refers to a specific molecular phenomenon that occurs in certain types of viruses known as bacteriophages, which infect bacteria. A prophage is a dormant or latent phase of a bacteriophage's lifecycle, in which the viral DNA integrates into the bacterial host's genome. The prophage can remain in this state for extended periods, replicating along with the host's DNA and being passed on to subsequent generations. However, factors such as stressors or environmental changes can trigger prophage induction, leading to the activation of the viral genome and the production of new viral particles.
During prophage induction, the integrated viral genetic material is excised from the bacterial genome, resulting in the production of phage particles. These phages can infect nearby bacteria, initiating the lytic cycle, where the host cell is eventually lysed, releasing multiple copies of the phage.
Prophage induction plays a crucial role in bacterial evolution and the spread of viral genetic material among different bacterial strains and species. It allows for the transfer of beneficial genes encoded by the prophage, such as antibiotic resistance or virulence factors, between bacteria. Moreover, prophage induction can impact bacterial population dynamics, as the viral lysis of host cells can influence community structures and ecological processes.
Understanding prophage induction is essential not only for comprehending the biology of bacteriophages but also for studying bacterial genetics, pathogenesis, and the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Common Misspellings for PROPHAGE INDUCTIONS
- orophage inductions
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- 0rophage inductions
- peophage inductions
- pdophage inductions
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Etymology of PROPHAGE INDUCTIONS
The word "prophage" is a combination of two Greek words: "pro" meaning "before" or "in front of", and "phagein" meaning "to eat". In microbiology, a prophage refers to the DNA of a virus that has integrated into the chromosome of its bacterial host.
The word "inductions" comes from the Latin word "inducere", meaning "to lead into" or "to bring about". In biology, induction refers to the process of activating or initiating a particular biological response or event.
Therefore, "prophage inductions" refers to the process of activating or initiating the prophage within a bacterial host, leading to the expression of viral genes and subsequent viral replication.
