Concept
Lysogenic vs lytic cycle
Two paths a phage can take
ly-SAH-jeh-nee / LIT-ik
High-yield clue
In lysogeny the phage integrates as a prophage and can add toxin genes (lysogenic conversion), unlike the lysis-and-burst lytic cycle.
Overview
The two replication strategies of a bacteriophage: the lytic cycle rapidly makes new virions and bursts the cell, while lysogeny integrates the phage genome as a quiet prophage that can later be induced. Lysogeny can add new toxin genes to the host.
Classification
- Phage life-cycle concept
- Lytic: replicate and burst
- Lysogenic: integrate as prophage
- Inducible switch between states
Lab & identification clues
- Prophage integration vocabulary
- Temperate phage concept
- Lysogenic-conversion toxin-gene vocabulary
Associations
- Diphtheria toxin gene from a prophage
- Cholera and Shiga toxin phage-encoding vocabulary
- Prophage induction under stress
Commonly confused with
- Generalized transduction
- Latent animal-virus infection
Frequently asked questions
What is Lysogenic vs lytic cycle?
The two replication strategies of a bacteriophage: the lytic cycle rapidly makes new virions and bursts the cell, while lysogeny integrates the phage genome as a quiet prophage that can later be induced. Lysogeny can add new toxin genes to the host.
What is the high-yield clue for Lysogenic vs lytic cycle?
In lysogeny the phage integrates as a prophage and can add toxin genes (lysogenic conversion), unlike the lysis-and-burst lytic cycle.
What is Lysogenic vs lytic cycle associated with?
Lysogenic vs lytic cycle is associated with Diphtheria toxin gene from a prophage, Cholera and Shiga toxin phage-encoding vocabulary, and Prophage induction under stress.
What is Lysogenic vs lytic cycle commonly confused with?
Lysogenic vs lytic cycle is commonly confused with Generalized transduction and Latent animal-virus infection.
Original microbiology concept summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC/WHO topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment selection, infection-control instructions, or specimen-handling guidance.