The lysogenic pathway is characterized by ____.

A) integration of viral DNA into the host chromosome
B) extensive transcription of viral DNA
C) release of phages
D) host cell death
E) no dormant stage

The lysogenic pathway involves the integration of viral DNA into the host chromosome, allowing it to remain dormant and replicate along with the host cell's DNA. This is in contrast to the lytic pathway, which involves immediate replication and release of phages, leading to host cell death. There is still some transcription of viral DNA in the lysogenic pathway, but it is not as extensive as in the lytic pathway. The lysogenic pathway can also potentially lead to the lytic pathway if triggered by certain factors.