What is one way that a lysogenic infection differs from a lytic infection?

• A. In a lysogenic infection, the virus replicates rapidly and causes symptoms quickly.
• B. In a lysogenic infection, the virus is unable to infect animal cells.
• C. In a lysogenic infection, the virus immediately causes the host cell to burst.
• D. In a lysogenic infection, the viral DNA integrates into the host genome and remains dormant.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic definitions: A lytic infection involves the virus entering a host cell, replicating rapidly, and causing the cell to burst, releasing new viral particles. A lysogenic infection involves the integration of viral DNA into the host cell's genome, where it can remain dormant for an extended period.
2. Identify the key difference: In a lysogenic infection, the viral DNA becomes part of the host cell's DNA and does not immediately cause harm to the host cell. This is in contrast to a lytic infection, where the virus replicates quickly and destroys the host cell.
3. Consider the implications of dormancy: During the lysogenic phase, the virus can remain inactive within the host cell, allowing the host cell to continue functioning normally. This dormancy can last for a long time until certain conditions trigger the virus to enter the lytic cycle.
4. Recognize the potential for activation: Although lysogenic infections are initially dormant, environmental factors or stressors can activate the viral DNA, causing it to enter the lytic cycle, where it begins to replicate and eventually causes the host cell to burst.
5. Summarize the main point: The primary distinction between lysogenic and lytic infections is the integration and dormancy of viral DNA in lysogenic infections, which allows the virus to persist without immediately harming the host cell.