Final answer:
The lytic cycle is the process that causes the host cell to burst and release new viruses. While the lysogenic cycle integrates the viral DNA into the host's genome for replication, the lytic cycle can quickly produce a greater number of virions upon cell lysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cycle that results in the host cell breaking open and the release of more viruses is the lytic cycle. During the lytic cycle, the virus attaches to a host cell and injects its genetic material. This genetic material then takes over the host cell's machinery to replicate the viral components, assemble new virions, and eventually cause the cell to burst (lyse), releasing the newly-formed viruses to infect more cells.
On the other hand, the lysogenic cycle involves the incorporation of the viral genome into the host cell's genome, where it can replicate along with the host cell for an extended period of time. This allows the virus to propagate without immediately killing the host cell. However, under certain conditions, the viral DNA can be excised from the host genome and enter the lytic cycle, resulting in cell lysis and the production of new virions. Comparing the lytic and lysogenic cycles, the lytic cycle can theoretically produce more virions in a shorter period since it creates numerous virions that are released upon the host cell's lysis. However, the lysogenic cycle allows the viral genome to replicate with the host genome, potentially affecting many cell divisions without damaging the host cells until it's triggered to enter the lytic cycle.