Temperate phages

Definition

Temperate phages are a type of bacteriophage capable of both lytic and lysogenic cycles. They can integrate their genome into the host bacterium's DNA, becoming a prophage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Temperate phages can switch between the lytic and lysogenic cycles depending on environmental conditions.
2. During the lysogenic cycle, the phage DNA integrates into the host bacterial chromosome as a prophage.
3. The integrated prophage can remain dormant within the host genome until triggered to enter the lytic cycle.
4. An example of a temperate phage is bacteriophage lambda (λ).
5. Temperate phages contribute to horizontal gene transfer in bacteria through transduction.

Review Questions

• What are the two life cycles that temperate phages can undergo?
• How does a temperate phage differ from a virulent phage?
• What is the term used for phage DNA integrated into a bacterial chromosome?

Related terms

Lytic Cycle:

A viral replication cycle resulting in the destruction of the host cell and release of new virions.

Lysogenic Cycle:

A viral replication cycle where the viral genome integrates into the host cell's DNA and replicates along with it without destroying the host.

Prophage:

Phage DNA that has been integrated into a bacterial chromosome during lysogeny.