Which of the following statements about the lysogenic cycle of a bacteriophage is true?

• A. A bacteriophage in the lysogenic cycle will kill the host cell by causing cell lysis.
• B. A bacteriophage in the lysogenic cycle can transition into the lytic cycle.
• C. A bacteriophage in the lysogenic cycle is a productive form of viral infection.
• D. A bacteriophage in the lysogenic cycle degrades the host cell's genome.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the lysogenic cycle: In the lysogenic cycle, the bacteriophage's DNA integrates into the host cell's genome and replicates along with it without causing immediate harm to the host.
2. Differentiate between lysogenic and lytic cycles: The lysogenic cycle is characterized by the integration of viral DNA into the host genome, whereas the lytic cycle involves the production of new phages and the lysis of the host cell.
3. Evaluate the statement about cell lysis: In the lysogenic cycle, the host cell is not lysed immediately. Instead, the viral DNA remains dormant until it is triggered to enter the lytic cycle.
4. Consider the transition to the lytic cycle: A key feature of the lysogenic cycle is that the prophage (integrated viral DNA) can be induced to enter the lytic cycle, leading to the production of new phages and cell lysis.
5. Assess the productivity of the lysogenic cycle: The lysogenic cycle is not considered a productive infection in terms of immediate viral replication and cell lysis, as it involves dormancy and integration into the host genome.