During the lysogenic cycle of a bacteriophage, which of the following best describes the fate of the phage DNA?

• A. The phage DNA is immediately degraded by the host's defense mechanisms.
• B. The phage DNA replicates independently, causing the host cell to burst.
• C. The phage DNA integrates into the host bacterium's chromosome, remaining dormant.
• D. The phage DNA is expelled from the host cell, leading to no integration.

Answer: (C)