Final answer:
The lytic cycle involves attachment, penetration, replication, assembly, and release, ultimately resulting in the destruction of the host cell and the spread of the virus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steps of the Lytic Cycle
The lytic cycle is a process of viral replication that results in the destruction of the host cell. It involves several distinct steps:
- Attachment: The virus attaches to specific receptors on the host cell's surface.
- Penetration: The viral nucleic acid enters the host cell, either on its own or within its protein coat.
- Replication: After entering the host cell, the virus uses the cell's machinery to replicate its nucleic acid and synthesize viral proteins.
- Assembly: Viral components are assembled into complete viruses.
- Release: The host cell is lysed (broken open), releasing the new viruses to infect adjacent cells.
Throughout the lytic cycle, the host DNA is disassembled, and viral endonucleases may degrade the bacterial chromosome. The viral proteins and nucleic acids are replicated and assembled into new virions. An enzyme produced by the virus, such as holin or lysozyme, breaks down the host cell wall, leading to lysis. This allows the release of mature viruses into the environment to infect other cells.