Question

How is the lytic cycle different from the lysogenic cycle?

a) The lytic cycle involves integration of the viral genome into the host DNA
b) The lysogenic cycle results in the immediate lysis of the host cell
c) The lytic cycle leads to a persistent infection
d) The lysogenic cycle involves the incorporation of the viral genome into the host genome without immediate lysis

Answer 1

The lytic cycle involves immediate lysis of the host cell, while the lysogenic cycle involves the integration of the viral genome into the host genome without immediate lysis. Environmental stressors can cause the prophage to excise and enter the lytic cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle are two different modes of viral replication. In the lytic cycle, the virus infects the host cell and takes over its cellular machinery to produce new viral particles. Eventually, the host cell bursts open (lyses), releasing the new viruses. In contrast, the lysogenic cycle involves the viral genome integrating into the host cell's genome without immediate lysis. The viral DNA, called a prophage, is replicated along with the host cell's DNA during each cell division. Environmental stressors can trigger the prophage to excise from the host genome and enter the lytic cycle.