Lysogeny

Lysogeny is an interaction between a bacteriophage and a host cell, in which the bacteriophage is integrated into the bacterial genome in the form of a prophage, which can remain in this state for many years. In this case, the host bacterium is not destroyed, but continues its life activity.

Lysogeny was discovered in the early 20th century and was first described as an unusual form of bacteriophage replication. There are two main types of replication in bacteriophages: lytic (Lytic cycle) and lysogenic. In the lytic cycle, a phage infects a bacterium, destroys it, and releases copies of itself into the environment. In the lysogenic cycle, the phage is integrated into the bacterial genome and is in a prophage state, which can pass from one generation of bacteria to another.

Lysogeny is one of the mechanisms for protecting bacteria from viral infections, since a prophage can block infection of a cell by other phages. In this case, the prophage plays the role of a “vaccine” for the bacterium and protects it from re-infection.

However, under certain conditions, the prophage can leave the dormant state and enter an active state, which leads to the destruction of the bacterium. For example, during irradiation of a bacterium, a prophage can be induced and begin the process of lytic replication, which will lead to the death of the bacterium.

Lysogeny also plays an important role in the evolution of bacteria and phages. Integration of a prophage into the bacterial genome can lead to changes in the properties of the bacterium, such as pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance. In addition, prophages can transfer genes between different species of bacteria, which can lead to horizontal gene transfer and the emergence of new properties in bacteria.

Overall, lysogeny is an important phenomenon in microbiology that allows bacteria to survive under constant pressure from viral infections. In addition, lysogeny plays an important role in the evolution of microorganisms and can be used in medicine to create new methods for treating infectious diseases.

Lysogeny is an interaction between a bacteriophage and a host cell in which a latent, indestructible form of the phage (prophage) exists inside the bacterial cell. The prophage is integrated into the bacterial chromosome and replicates with it during cell division.

Under certain conditions, such as stress or irradiation of the bacterium, the prophage can transform into its active form. The active phage begins to reproduce itself, which ultimately leads to lysis (destruction) of the bacterial cell and the release of mature phage particles capable of infecting new cells.

Thus, during lysogeny, a kind of symbiosis is established between the phage and the bacterium. The bacterium receives additional genes from the phage that may give it beneficial properties. The phage temporarily uses the resources of the bacterial cell for its survival and spread when favorable conditions occur.

Lysogeny is an interaction between a host cell and a phage in which the first two coexist in one organism, and the phage itself is in a latent form - a prophage.

A prophage can be present in the host cell either in an inactive or active state. In the first case, it can be located both inside the cell and on its surface. In the second case, the phage begins to multiply and destroys the host cell.

The transition from an inactive state to an active state occurs under the influence of certain factors, for example, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals or under certain environmental conditions.

Lysogeny is important for the evolution of viruses and bacteria. It allows phages to survive in unfavorable conditions and adapt to new environmental conditions, as well as transfer their genetic information to subsequent generations. However, the use of lysogeny in medicine can be dangerous, since some viruses that are latent can become active under certain conditions and cause serious diseases.