temperate virus

A temperate virus, also known as a lysogenic virus, is an infectious agent that can infect a host cell without immediately causing its death. Instead, the viral DNA integrates into the host cell's genome, replicating along with it during cell division. This dormant state is called lysogeny, and the integrated viral DNA is termed a prophage.12

Under certain conditions, such as exposure to ultraviolet light, the prophage can become active, excise itself from the host DNA, and initiate a lytic cycle, leading to the production of new viruses and the destruction of the host cell. This process can transfer genetic information between bacteria, a phenomenon known as transduction. While many viruses cause disease, some temperate viruses can be beneficial, aiding in genetic transfer or even being used in biotechnology for gene repair. The host range of viruses varies, with some infecting specific types of organisms like plants, bacteria, or particular animal groups.134