Question

Lysogenized cells

A) are immune to any further infection by any virus.
B) are immune to infection by the same virus.
C) may have new properties.
D) respond to infection with the SOS response.
E) are immune to infection by the same virus AND may have new properties.

Answer 1

Lysogenized cells are immune to infection by the same virus and may exhibit new properties due to the integration of the viral genome into their DNA, but are not immune to all viruses.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of lysogeny, a lysogenized cell can become immune to infection by the same strain of virus that caused its lysogenization. This is because the viral genome, now integrated into the host cell’s DNA as a prophage, prevents superinfection by similar viruses. Additionally, the lysogenized cell may have new properties as a result of the prophage's presence, which can sometimes alter the phenotype of the bacterium. Examples include the acquisition of toxins encoded by the prophage, leading to increased pathogenicity. However, it's important to note that lysogenized cells are not immune to all viruses, just to superinfection by the same type of virus. When environmental conditions threaten the host cell, such as UV light or chemical exposure, the prophage can excise from the bacterial genome and re-enter the lytic cycle resulting in the production of new virions and lysis of the host cell.