Final answer:
The lytic cycle is a series of steps in viral replication that leads to the production of new viruses and the lysis of the host cell. The steps include attachment, penetration, replication, assembly, and release of new virions.
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. The steps of the lytic cycle include:
- Attachment - The virus attaches to the surface of the host cell by binding to specific receptors.
- Penetration - The virus injects its nucleic acid into the host cell.
- Replication - The viral nucleic acid commandeers the host cell's machinery to replicate its genome and produce viral proteins.
- Assembly - The newly synthesized viral components are assembled into complete virions.
- Release - Virions are released from the host cell as it bursts (lyses), destroying the cell and releasing the new viruses to infect other cells.
Throughout this cycle, the host cell's metabolic processes are overtaken to serve the needs of viral replication, often causing significant cell damage and eventual cell lysis. Viral replication cycles like the lytic cycle are essential to understanding viral pathogenesis and the spread of viruses.