Revisiting the life cycle of temperate phages.

Re-examining the temperate phage life cycle reveals unanticipated complexities and emphasizes the importance of viewing properties of (pro)phages as integral to their overall cycle.

• Why it matters: Understanding the full range of interactions between temperate phages, their bacterial hosts, and other mobile genetic elements is crucial for advancing microbiology, genetics, and biotechnology.
• What they did: The authors review existing knowledge and incorporate emerging insights to expand the traditional framework of the phage life cycle, highlighting properties previously considered separate.
• The result: This holistic perspective enhances comprehension of temperate phage biology and their roles in microbiology and biotechnological applications, acknowledging the intricate nature of their life cycle.