Which of the following is NOT characteristic of the lysogenic cycle?

• A. Immediate lysis of the host cell after infection
• B. Replication of viral DNA along with host DNA
• C. Prophage formation
• D. Integration of viral DNA into the host genome

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the lysogenic cycle: The lysogenic cycle is a viral replication process where the virus integrates its genetic material into the host cell's genome without immediately destroying the host cell.
2. Review the key characteristics of the lysogenic cycle: These include integration of viral DNA into the host genome, formation of a prophage (the viral DNA integrated into the host DNA), and replication of viral DNA along with the host DNA during cell division.
3. Contrast the lysogenic cycle with the lytic cycle: The lytic cycle involves immediate replication of the virus and destruction (lysis) of the host cell, whereas the lysogenic cycle does not cause immediate lysis of the host cell.
4. Analyze the options provided: Immediate lysis of the host cell after infection is characteristic of the lytic cycle, not the lysogenic cycle. The other options (replication of viral DNA along with host DNA, prophage formation, and integration of viral DNA into the host genome) are all characteristic of the lysogenic cycle.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the option that describes a characteristic of the lytic cycle, which is 'Immediate lysis of the host cell after infection.'