The stages of a lytic infection are as follows:
1. Attachment: The virus attaches to a host cell by binding to specific receptors on the surface of the cell.
2. Penetration: The virus injects its genetic material (DNA or RNA) into the host cell, typically by fusing with the cell membrane or by endocytosis.
3. Biosynthesis: The viral genetic material takes over the host cell's machinery, forcing it to produce viral components such as proteins and nucleic acids.
4. Maturation: The viral components are assembled into new virus particles within the host cell.
5. Release: The host cell is destroyed, releasing the newly formed virus particles to infect other cells.
In summary, the virus attaches to the host cell, injects its genetic material, takes over the host cell's machinery to produce viral components, assembles the viral components into new virus particles within the host cell, and then destroys the host cell to release the newly formed virus particles.