Final answer:
Gene expression in bacteriophages regulates development through different stages such as synthesis of viral components, maturation, and release. The lytic cycle involves replication, synthesis of viral components, and release through lysis. The lysogenic cycle involves phage DNA incorporation into the host genome and subsequent excision to enter the lytic cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
In bacteriophages, the cascade of gene expression dictates the different stages of development. In the lytic cycle, the phage enters the host cell and synthesizes viral components needed for the assembly of new viruses. Genes for the polymerase enzyme are usually expressed early, while genes for capsid and tail proteins are expressed later. After maturation, the release stage occurs where the mature viruses burst out of the host cell through lysis. In the lysogenic cycle, the phage DNA is incorporated into the host genome and is passed on to subsequent generations until environmental stress triggers the excision of the prophage and entry into the lytic cycle.