Viral Replication: Understanding the Lytic Cycle and Beyond

1. Lytic cycle

The lytic cycle is a process by which a virus rapidly replicates and then destroys its host cell. The steps of the lytic cycle are as follows:

1. The virus attaches to a receptor on the surface of the host cell.

2. The virus injects its DNA into the host cell.

3. The virus DNA is transcribed into viral mRNA.

4. The viral mRNA is translated into viral proteins.

5. The viral proteins assemble into new virions.

6. The new virions are released from the host cell, destroying the cell in the process.

2. Lysogenic cycle

The lysogenic cycle is a process by which a virus integrates its DNA into the DNA of its host cell. This type of virus is called a prophage. The prophage can remain in the host cell's DNA for a long period of time without causing any harm to the cell. However, if the host cell is stressed or damaged, the prophage can be activated and enter the lytic cycle.

The steps of the lysogenic cycle are as follows:

1. The virus attaches to a receptor on the surface of the host cell.

2. The virus injects its DNA into the host cell.

3. The virus DNA is integrated into the host cell's DNA.

4. The prophage can remain in the host cell's DNA for a long period of time.

5. If the host cell is stressed or damaged, the prophage can be activated and enter the lytic cycle.