IB Biology HL 2.3.4 Lysogenic Cycle of Lambda Phage
Practise IB Biology HL 2.3.4 by explaining prophage integration, replication with the host and induction into the lytic cycle.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology HL
- Level
- HL
Practise IB Biology HL 2.3.4 by explaining prophage integration, replication with the host and induction into the lytic cycle.
The diagram shows the structure of a bacteriophage lambda virus.

Explain how the bacteriophage lambda reproduces in the lysogenic cycle.
a. the virus attaches to maltoporin/protein in the host/bacterium membrane;
b. the viral DNA/genome is integrated into a host/bacterium;
c. when the host DNA replicates/does mitosis, viral DNA is also replicated;
d. all daughter cells contain viral DNA/genetic material;
e. the inserted DNA is known as a prophage;
f. bacteriophage/prophage remains in dormant state in host/bacterium OR
later prophage may exit to initiate lytic cycle;
3
Marking guidance:
max