Both Retroviruses and Lysogenic Bacteriophages Employ a Mechanism That Allows

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The Answer is Both retroviruses and lysogenic bacteriophages share a common mechanism known as integration, which allows them to incorporate their genetic material into the host cell's genome. This process enables the viral genetic information to be replicated and passed from cell to cell without the immediate production of new virus particles.

For retroviruses, this process begins when the virus infects a host cell and uses its reverse transcriptase enzyme to convert its RNA genome into DNA. This newly synthesized viral DNA is then integrated into the host cell's DNA with the help of an enzyme called integrase. Once integrated, the viral DNA, now referred to as a provirus, can be replicated along with the host cell's DNA during cell division. The provirus can remain dormant within the host genome for an extended period, and the host cell can function normally until certain triggers lead to the activation of the viral genes, resulting in the production of new viruses.

Lysogenic bacteriophages, also known as temperate phages, have a similar mechanism. After infecting a bacterial cell, the phage DNA is incorporated into the bacterial chromosome at a specific site. The integrated phage DNA, known as a prophage, is then passively replicated along with the host's genome as the bacterial cell divides. The prophage can remain latent within the host genome, and the bacterium continues to live and reproduce normally. However, under certain conditions, such as stress or exposure to UV light, the prophage can be induced to exit the lysogenic cycle and enter the lytic cycle, where it becomes active, replicates, and produces new phage particles that can lyse the host cell and infect new cells.

In summary, the common mechanism used by both retroviruses and lysogenic bacteriophages is the integration of their genetic material into the host cell's genome, allowing for replication and transmission without immediately producing new viral particles. This integrated state can be maintained for long periods, contributing to the persistence and spread of these viruses within a population of cells.

Both Retroviruses and Lysogenic Bacteriophages Employ a Mechanism That Allows

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