prophage

[ proh-feyj ]

noun

, Microbiology.

1. a stable, inherited form of bacteriophage in which the genetic material of the virus is integrated into, replicated, and expressed with the genetic material of the bacterial host.

prophage

/ ˈprəʊfeɪdʒ /

noun

1. a virus that exists in a bacterial cell and undergoes division with its host without destroying it Compare bacteriophage

Word History and Origins

Origin of prophage¹

1950–55; shortening of French probactériophage; pro- ¹, bacteriophage

Word History and Origins

Origin of prophage¹

C20: by contraction from French probactériophage; see pro- ², bacteriophage

Example Sentences

Only bacteria that have unexploded prophages in their DNA and no other defenses were vulnerable to colibactin-producing bacteria in laboratory dishes.

From Science News

Balskus’ team did not demonstrate that colibactin alone could detonate prophages.

From Science News