Lysogeny

Lysogeny (from the Greek words "lyso-" and "genea" - "generation") is also called a lysogenic state.

The lysogenic state is a cellular state in which viral DNA integrates into the host cell chromosome and replicates with it. In this case, the virus does not multiply, but simply transfers its DNA to daughter cells when dividing. Thus, viral DNA remains in the cell in a latent (hidden) state.

The lysogenic state can persist for a long time. However, under certain conditions (stress, DNA damage, etc.), activation of viral DNA occurs, the synthesis of viral proteins begins and further reproduction of the virus followed by cell lysis.

Lysogeny is widespread among bacteriophages and plays an important role in their life cycle and interaction with the host cell.

Lysogeny: what is it and how does it happen?

Lysogeny is a process that occurs in bacterial cells when a virus, called a phage, integrates into the genome of the bacterium. As a result, the bacterium may be in a lysogenic state, when the virus does not show its activity and does not reproduce.

The term "lysogeny" is derived from the Greek words "lyso-", meaning "destruction", and "genea", meaning "offspring" or "genus". The term was coined in the 1950s by French biologist André Lwaffle.

How does lysogeny occur? The phage virus injects its genetic material into the bacterium, which is integrated into its genome. This process is called lysogeny. As a result of the integration of the viral genome into the bacterial genome, the viral DNA can sometimes remain dormant, inactive for an indefinite period of time.

When a bacterium is in a lysogenic state, it can pass on viral DNA to its descendants. Additionally, if conditions become unfavorable for the bacterium, such as insufficient nutrients or elevated temperature, the virus can become activated and begin to multiply, resulting in lysis of the bacterial cell.

Lysogeny plays an important role in the evolution of bacteria and phages. Viruses can transfer genes to bacteria, which can lead to the emergence of new characteristics and properties in bacteria. In addition, bacteria can use viral DNA to defend against other phages.

In conclusion, lysogeny is an important process in biology that allows bacteria to adapt to different environments and defend against viruses. Studying lysogenesis may help develop new methods for treating infections and combating bacterial resistance.