In which pathways can Bacteriophage Lambda exist?

Bacteriophage Lambda can exist in two primary states: the prophage state and the lytic state. In the prophage state, the bacteriophage integrates its viral DNA into the bacterial host's genome, allowing it to replicate passively along with the host's DNA during cell division without causing immediate harm to the host. This state can persist for many generations.

In contrast, during the lytic state, the bacteriophage takes control of the host's cellular machinery to replicate itself, ultimately leading to the lysis, or destruction, of the bacterial cell to release new viral particles. This transition between the prophage and lytic phases allows the bacteriophage to adapt to its environmental conditions and manage its reproduction strategy effectively.

The other pathways mentioned, such as active/dormant or infectious/non-infectious, do not accurately represent the distinct biological states of Bacteriophage Lambda. Similarly, aerial and terrestrial pathways are not relevant to bacteriophage life cycles, as they focus on non-related contexts of environmental conditions.