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Multiple Choice
Which of the following conditions might trigger a prophage or provirus to become active and enter the lytic cycle?
A
Low temperature
B
Presence of oxygen
C
Exposure to UV light
D
High humidity
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the difference between the lysogenic and lytic cycles. In the lysogenic cycle, the viral DNA integrates into the host genome and remains dormant as a prophage or provirus. In the lytic cycle, the virus becomes active, replicates, and eventually causes the host cell to burst, releasing new viral particles.
Identify environmental factors that can cause a prophage or provirus to switch from the lysogenic to the lytic cycle. Stressful conditions for the host cell can trigger this switch.
Consider the role of UV light. UV light can cause damage to the host cell's DNA, which can be detected by the cell's repair mechanisms. This damage can lead to the activation of the prophage or provirus as a response to the stress.
Evaluate why other conditions like low temperature, presence of oxygen, or high humidity are less likely to trigger the lytic cycle. These conditions do not typically cause direct damage to DNA or create a stress response that would activate the prophage or provirus.
Conclude that exposure to UV light is a known trigger for the activation of a prophage or provirus, leading it to enter the lytic cycle, due to its ability to cause DNA damage and stress in the host cell.