How is a provirus like a prophage? How is it different?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that both a provirus and a prophage are forms of viral DNA that integrate into the host cell's genome.
2. Recognize that a provirus is associated with animal viruses, while a prophage is associated with bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria).
3. Note that both can remain dormant within the host genome, allowing the virus to be replicated along with the host cell's DNA during cell division.
4. Identify that a key difference is that a prophage can enter a lytic cycle, where it becomes active, replicates, and causes the host cell to lyse, whereas a provirus typically remains latent and does not cause immediate destruction of the host cell.
5. Consider that a provirus can be transcribed and translated into viral proteins, potentially leading to the production of new virus particles, whereas a prophage requires induction to enter the lytic cycle.

Key Concepts

Provirus

A provirus is a viral genome that integrates into the host cell's DNA, becoming a permanent part of the host's genetic material. This integration allows the virus to replicate along with the host's DNA during cell division, potentially leading to the production of new viral particles when activated. Proviruses are typically associated with retroviruses, such as HIV.

Prophage

A prophage is a specific type of viral genome that integrates into the bacterial host's chromosome. It is a dormant form of a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria) and can remain inactive until certain conditions trigger its excision and subsequent replication. Prophages can contribute to bacterial genetic diversity and can carry genes that enhance bacterial survival.

Integration and Activation

Both proviruses and prophages involve the integration of viral DNA into the host genome, but they differ in their host types—proviruses in eukaryotic cells and prophages in prokaryotic cells. Activation refers to the process by which these integrated viral genomes can become active, leading to the production of new viruses. Understanding the mechanisms of integration and activation is crucial for studying viral life cycles and their impact on host organisms.