Question

Usually, a virus infects a cell and arrests the normal synthetic activities of the host,

redirecting the cell to use its available materials to manufacture viral nucleic acids and proteins,
which assemble into new viruses. Ultimately, the infected cell ruptures and releases a new
generation of viral particles that can infect neighboring cells. This type of infection is called a(n)
_________ infection.
a) lytic
b) proviral
c) eluctable
d) virulent
e) avirulent

Answer 1

The correct option is a. The process where a virus infects a cell, takes over its machinery to replicate, and causes it to burst, releasing new viruses, is called a lytic infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of infection described, where a virus infects a cell, hijacks its synthetic machinery to replicate its own nucleic acids and proteins, assembles into new viruses, and ultimately causes the cell to rupture, is known as a lytic infection. During this process, the cycle follows several steps:

1. Attachment: The virus recognizes and attaches to the host cell.
2. Penetration: The virus enters the host cell, often by fusing with the cellular membrane.
3. Uncoating: The viral capsid is removed to release the viral genome.
4. Replication: The host cell’s machinery is used to replicate the viral nucleic acid.
5. Assembly: New viral proteins and nucleic acids are assembled into virions.
6. Release: The newly formed virions are released as the host cell lyses, allowing them to infect neighboring cells.