Question

Five stages of the lytic cycle of a virus from the first to the last:

Answer 1

The lytic cycle of a virus includes five stages: attachment, penetration, biosynthesis, maturation, and release, which leads to the destruction of the host cell and spreading of the virus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lytic cycle is a process of viral reproduction that culminates in the destruction of the host cell and the release of newly formed viruses ready to infect other cells. The five stages of the lytic cycle include:

1. Attachment: The virus attaches itself to the host cell by binding to specific receptors on the cell's surface.
2. Penetration: The viral genetic material is injected into the host cell, often through mechanisms similar to a hypodermic needle.
3. Biosynthesis: The virus uses the host's cellular machinery to replicate its viral components such as nucleic acids and proteins.
4. Maturation: Newly synthesized viral components are assembled into complete virions within the host cell.
5. Release: The host cell lyses, or bursts, releasing the new virions out into the environment to infect additional cells.

The lytic cycle is distinct in its aggressive replication strategy, which usually results in death of the host cell and a rapid spread of the virus. This is unlike the lysogenic cycle, where the viral DNA is incorporated into the host genome and replicated along with it possibly for generations before becoming active. The lytic cycle can have significant impacts on the host, leading to cell damage and contributing to the symptoms of viral infections.