Lysogeny is a process in which a virus, specifically a bacteriophage, integrates its genetic material into the DNA of a host bacterium. This integrated viral DNA, known as a prophage, can remain dormant within the host's genome for extended periods. During this time, the bacterium can replicate normally, passing the prophage to its daughter cells. Under certain conditions, the prophage can become active, leading to the production of new viral particles. This process can result in the lysis, or destruction, of the host cell, releasing the new viruses to infect other bacteria. Lysogeny plays a significant role in bacterial evolution and gene transfer.