noun
- viral DNA that has been integrated into the chromosome of a bacterial host cell and remains dormant until activated
Usage: biology; microbiology
Examples
- The prophages remained inactive in the bacterial genome for several generations.
- Scientists studied how prophages integrate into host chromosomes.
- When stressed, the bacteria activated their prophages to produce new viruses.
- The research team identified multiple prophages in the bacterial DNA sequence.
- Prophages can carry genes that affect the host bacterium’s characteristics.
- The prophage entered the lytic cycle and began producing viral particles.