Sometimes when a virus attacks a bacterium, neither the virus multiplies nor the bacterium dies. This phenomenon is called as

Options

A. Lysogeny
B. Adsorption
C. Assimilation
D. Viral stability

Answer

To solve the question, "Sometimes when a virus attacks a bacterium, neither the virus multiplies nor the bacterium dies. This phenomenon is called as," we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Context
- The question involves a virus that attacks a bacterium. In this context, the virus is specifically known as a bacteriophage.

### Step 2: Identify the Phases of Viral Infection
- When a bacteriophage infects a bacterium, it can enter two main phases:
1. **Lytic Phase**: In this phase, the virus replicates inside the bacterium, eventually leading to the lysis (destruction) of the bacterial cell and the release of new viral particles.
2. **Lysogenic Phase**: In this phase, the viral DNA integrates into the bacterial DNA and remains dormant. During this time, neither the virus multiplies nor does the bacterium die.

### Step 3: Analyze the Options
- The question provides four options:
1. **Lysogeny**
2. **Adsorption**
3. **Assimilation**
4. **Viral Stability**

### Step 4: Eliminate Incorrect Options
- **Adsorption**: This refers to the initial attachment of the virus to the bacterial surface, not the phenomenon described in the question.
- **Assimilation**: This term relates to the process of obtaining nutrients, which is not relevant to the question.
- **Viral Stability**: While lysogeny can contribute to viral stability, it does not specifically describe the phenomenon where neither the virus multiplies nor the bacterium dies.

### Step 5: Identify the Correct Answer
- The correct answer is **Lysogeny**, as it describes the state where the bacteriophage's genetic material is integrated into the bacterial genome, remaining inactive and not causing harm to the bacterium.

### Final Answer
The phenomenon where a virus attacks a bacterium, and neither the virus multiplies nor the bacterium dies, is called **Lysogeny**.

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