Final answer:
In the viral replication cycle, the virus first attaches to the host cell, then enters, replicates its genome using the host cell machinery, assembles new virus particles, and finally, releases these newly formed viruses to infect additional cells.
Therefore, option B is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The replication cycle of a virus involves several key steps that ultimately lead to the production of new viruses that can go on to infect additional cells. The correct step that occurs in the viral replication cycle from the given options is b) The virus attaches to the host cell. This step, also known as attachment, is where the virus recognizes and binds to specific receptor sites on the surface of a susceptible host cell. Following attachment, the virus usually penetrates the host cell and releases its genetic material. It then hijacks the host cell's machinery to replicate its genome and produce viral components. Once the new virions are assembled, they are released from the host cell to infect new cells, which may happen through cell lysis in the case of the lytic cycle, or budding in other viral life cycles. The release step does not immediately kill the host cell in the case of budding; instead, it is a gradual process that can lead to cell death.
Statements that are not true regarding viral replication are that the lysogenic cycle kills the host cell and that viral replication does not affect host cell function. Viral replication can indeed affect host cell function, and the lysogenic cycle does not necessarily result in the immediate death of the host cell.
Overall, the virus replication cycle includes the processes of attachment, penetration, uncoating, replication, assembly, and release.