In the lysogenic cycle, what happens to the viral genes during host cell division?

• A. Viral genes divide with host cell
• B. Viral genes are excised
• C. Viral genes transcribed to virions
• D. Viral genes cause immediate cell death

Answer: (A)

During lysogeny, the viral genome integrates into the host DNA (becoming a prophage) and is replicated along with the host genome. As the cell divides, this prophage is passed to both daughter cells, so viral genes are inherited just like the host’s own genes. This latent state means no new virions are produced, unlike the lytic cycle where viral genes are transcribed to form particles that lyse the cell. Excision and entry into the lytic cycle can occur later in response to stress, but that’s not part of the normal lysogenic phase. Immediate cell death is not a feature of lysogeny because the viral genome is kept quiet and replicates with the host.