In lysogeny, what happens to the viral genetic material when it becomes part of the host genome?

• A. A trigger from the environment could cause the viral genes to begin a different cycle
• B. Genetic material is copied into the host cell's own chromosome
• C. The virus is immediately transcribed to viral proteins
• D. Every time the cell divides the viral genes divide too

Answer: (B)

In lysogeny the viral genome integrates into the host cell’s chromosome, becoming a prophage. This means the viral DNA is copied along with the host’s DNA and passed to each daughter cell during division, so every new cell carries the viral genome as part of its own genome. The viral genes are largely silent in this state, so no viral proteins are produced until an induction event triggers the switch to the lytic cycle. A triggering event can cause the prophage to exit the host genome and start making viral particles, but that is not the usual lysogenic state. The idea that viral genes are transcribed immediately or that they divide independently from the host genome does not fit lysogeny, since the prophage is integrated with the host chromosome and follows its replication and inheritance.