Question

Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that have been infected by a bacteriophage. This bacteriophage is a lysogenic phage and contains the genes to produce the diphtheria toxin, which inhibits protein synthesis. Which of the following is the correct term for the phage while its genetic material is integrated into the bacterial chromosome?

a. The genetic material is called a viroid
b. The genetic material is called a prophage and the change in the host cell's properties is called lysogenic conversion
c. The genetic material is called a transposon and the change in the host cell's properties is called competence
d. The genetic material is called a prion

Answer 1

The correct answer is b) The genetic material is called a prophage and the change in the host cell's properties is called lysogenic conversion

Step-by-step explanation:

The term prophage is used to describe the genetic material of a bacteriophage which has been incorporated in the genome of infected bacteria. The resulting changes within the host´s properties are called lysogenic conversion. At this state the bacterial cell is still intact.