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Multiple Choice
Which of the following can cause a prophage in the lysogenic stage to revert to the lytic stage?
A
Addition of glucose
B
Decrease in temperature
C
Increase in pH
D
Exposure to UV light
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the lysogenic and lytic cycles: In the lysogenic cycle, the viral DNA integrates into the host genome and replicates along with it without causing harm. In the lytic cycle, the virus replicates independently, leading to the destruction of the host cell.
Identify factors that can trigger the switch from lysogenic to lytic: Environmental stressors or damage to the host DNA can induce the prophage to exit the lysogenic cycle and enter the lytic cycle.
Consider the effect of UV light: UV light can cause damage to the DNA of the host cell, which can trigger the SOS response, leading to the excision of the prophage from the host genome and entry into the lytic cycle.
Evaluate the other options: Addition of glucose, decrease in temperature, and increase in pH are not typically associated with causing DNA damage or inducing the lytic cycle.
Conclude that exposure to UV light is the factor that can cause a prophage in the lysogenic stage to revert to the lytic stage due to its ability to damage DNA and trigger the SOS response.