Question

In a lytic viral infection, the virus _________.

1) usually arrests normal cellular activities.
2) redirects the cell to make new viral nucleic acids and proteins leading to the release of new viral progeny.
3) integrates its DNA into the host cell's DNA.
4) a and b
5) b and c

Answer 1

In a lytic infection, the virus replicates within the host cell and eventually causes it to burst, releasing new viral particles, but does not integrate its DNA into the host cell's DNA like in the lysogenic cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a lytic viral infection, the virus does not integrate its DNA into the host cell's DNA. Instead, it takes control of the host cell's machinery to produce new viral particles. The process begins with the virus attaching to a specific receptor on the host cell and entering the cell, either by endocytosis or membrane fusion. Once inside, the virus releases its genetic material and hijacks the cell's replication and protein synthesis systems to replicate its genome and produce new virus components.

These are then assembled into complete viruses within the cell. In the final stage of the lytic cycle, newly formed viruses cause the host cell to burst (lyse), releasing the new viruses and leading to the death of the host cell. The lytic cycle is a series of steps including attachment, entry, replication, assembly, and release. This cycle contrasts with the lysogenic cycle, where viral DNA integrates into the host genome and can remain dormant for some time before becoming active and entering the lytic cycle.