What does lysogeny mean?
Lysogeny is the condition in which a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria, remains dormant as DNA integrated into its host cell's chromosome. Instead of immediately producing new virus particles and destroying the cell, the viral genome is copied along with the bacterium's own DNA and can be inherited by daughter cells. It may later leave this integrated state and enter a lytic cycle, in which new viral particles are produced and the host cell bursts. Lysogeny is important in microbiology because it allows viruses to persist within bacterial populations and can produce lasting changes in their hosts, a process known as lysogenic conversion. The term is principally used in technical research and is less common in everyday language.
nounThe state of a bacterium whose genome contains a dormant bacteriophage DNA integrated into the bacterial chromosome. In this state, the viral genome is replicated with the host cell and may later enter a lytic cycle.
- The condition of a bacterium carrying a prophage whose DNA is integrated into the bacterial chromosome.
- The phenomenon by which a bacteriophage becomes incorporated into its bacterial host and remains dormant within it.
"The virus persisted in the bacterial population through lysogeny."
"Lysogeny allows a bacteriophage to be passed to daughter cells when the host bacterium divides."
"Researchers investigated whether the strain had acquired a new trait through lysogenic conversion."
The plural is rare and usually appears in specialized or theoretical discussions.
"The study compared the genetic consequences of different lysogenies."
In lysogeny, a bacteriophage hides inside a bacterium like a passenger in the host's genetic passport.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lysogeny come from?
The word was formed in the early 20th century from Greek lysis, meaning “a loosening” or “dissolving,” and the combining form -geny, relating to production or origin. The term was coined to describe the relationship between a bacteriophage and its bacterial host. Its sense is therefore related to lysis, although lysogeny specifically denotes the integrated, non-lytic state rather than the destruction of the host cell.
Related word forms
How lysogeny is actually used
This is a technical term used chiefly in microbiology, virology, and genetics. It is not normally used in general prose.
Easily confused with lysogeny
Lysogeny is a dormant relationship in which viral DNA remains integrated with the bacterial genome, whereas lysis is the bursting of a host cell that releases new viral particles.