Definition

A form of a virus that infects bacteria, where the virus's genetic material is integrated into the bacterial DNA and does not harm the bacteria immediately.

Example

The prophage can remain dormant within the bacterial genome until conditions trigger its activation.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a prophage?

Yeah, I think it's that part of a virus that sits quietly in bacteria, right?

Exactly! It's like the virus is just chilling until the bacteria replicate.

That's pretty interesting; I didn't realize it could be harmless like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prophage is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "phage" (from Greek "phagein", meaning to eat). The term refers to a viral genome that is integrated into the DNA of a host cell before it becomes active, hence it is a form of a virus that exists before it starts to replicate and cause infection.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'exists before' ('pro-') it starts to 'eat' or replicate ('phage'). This helps you remember that a prophage is a viral form that is present before it becomes active.

Visually Confused Words