Definition of Prophage



A prophage is a type of bacteriophage, the genome of which might be inserted and incorporated with the circular DNA of the bacteria or present in the form of extrachromosomal DNA i.e., plasmid. This is an inactive form of phage and the viral genes that are present in the bacterium are unable to cause any damage to the bacterial cell.

 


But these prophages with respect to their bacterial strain have an ability to undergo a number of things. They can increase and enhance the virulence potential of the strains of bacteria in humans as well as in plants pathogens. They also make the bacteria survive harsh conditions. The prophages help the researchers a lot in determining the relationship between the host and the bacteria.

 

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