lambda phage

The lambda phage is a type of bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria. It is known for its lysogenic life cycle, a process where the virus's genetic material, or genome, integrates into the host bacterium's chromosome.12

In this dormant state, called a prophage, the viral DNA replicates along with the bacterial DNA during cell division. The bacterium remains healthy until exposed to certain stimuli, like ultraviolet light. This exposure can trigger the prophage to excise itself from the bacterial chromosome, initiating a lytic cycle where new viruses are produced, ultimately destroying the host cell. The lambda phage commonly infects Escherichia coli and integrates its DNA at specific attachment sites within the host's genome. This lysogenic conversion can also transfer genetic information between bacteria.12