Final answer:
Bacteriophages have two reproductive cycles: the lytic cycle, which results in the host cell's destruction and the release of new phages, and the lysogenic cycle, where the phage DNA becomes incorporated into the host's genome and replicates with it. Environmental stressors can trigger the transition of a prophage from the lysogenic to the lytic cycle, causing new phages to be produced and the host cell to lyse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The life cycle of a bacteriophage, or phage, includes the lytic and lysogenic cycles. In the lytic cycle, a phage infects a bacterium and takes over the cell's machinery to reproduce its components and assemble new phage particles. This process involves several steps:
- Attachment: The phage attaches to the surface of the bacterium.
- Entry or Penetration: The phage injects its DNA into the host cell, leaving the capsid outside.
- Biosynthesis: The phage DNA hijacks the host cell's machinery to produce new viral components.
- Maturation: Virus assembly occurs, producing new virions inside the bacterium.
- Release: The host cell is lysed, and new phages are released to infect other cells.
In the lysogenic cycle, phage DNA is incorporated into the host cell's genome, forming a prophage, which can replicate with the host cell. Under certain conditions, like environmental stressors, the prophage may exit the host genome and enter the lytic cycle, beginning new phage production.
Lysogenic and lytic cycles are crucial to understanding bacteriophage behavior and its implications for transferring genetic material or phage therapy applications.
Complete question is:
Explain each step involved in both the lytic and lysogenic cycles of a bacteriophage.