Final answer:
The lytic lifestyle involves the replication of a virus within a host cell, followed by the release of new viral particles through cell lysis, while the lysogenic cycle allows for viral DNA integration into the host genome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lytic lifestyle of a virus is characterized by the infection of a host cell, rapid replication of viral components, and the eventual lysis (bursting) of the host cell to release new viral particles. This contrasts with the lysogenic cycle, where the viral DNA integrates into the host cell's genome, remaining dormant and replicating along with the host cell's DNA until it is induced to enter the lytic cycle. During the lytic cycle, viral RNA and proteins are synthesized, the viral genome replicates, and new viral particles are assembled. Ultimately, the host cell is destroyed as the new virions are released to infect additional cells.
An example of a virus that undergoes the lytic cycle is the T4 bacteriophage, which infects Escherichia coli. Another example is the λ (lambda) bacteriophage which can also integrate into the E. coli genome during the lysogenic cycle. In the context of the student's question, the correct statement would be 'b. Release of new viral particles', as this is what typically characterizes the lytic cycle.