Question

Identify the steps of the lytic cycle.

a) The host DNA is disassembled.
b) The nucleic acid and viral proteins are replicated.
c) The pieces made in replication are assembled.
d) The original virus releases a protein that causes the cell wall to burst.
e) The virus attaches to the host cell.

Answer 1

The lytic cycle consists of attachment, penetration, synthesis, assembly, and release, where a virus attaches to a host cell, injects its genetic material, replicates its components, assembles new virions, and causes the host cell to lyse, releasing new viruses.

Step-by-step explanation:

Steps of the Lytic Cycle

The lytic cycle includes several critical steps for viral replication. To understand the entire process, we must consider these sequential actions:

1. Attachment: The virus attaches to specific receptors on the host cell's surface.
2. Penetration: The viral DNA or RNA is injected into the host cell.
3. Synthesis: Viral components are replicated using the host's cellular machinery.
4. Assembly: New virions are assembled inside the host cell.
5. Release: The host cell is lysed, and new viruses are freed to infect other cells.

Different phases such as the maturation phase where new virions are created and the cell lysis enacted by viral proteins like holin or lysozyme are important sub-steps during the replication process.