Lytic Cycle of Viral Reproduction: A 5-Step Guide

The lytic cycle of virus reproduction consists of the following five steps:

1. Attachment:

* the virus attaches to a specific receptor on the surface of a susceptible host cell.

2. Entry:

* the virus enters the host cell. This can occur through fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, or through the formation of a pore in the host cell membrane.

3. Replication:

* the viral genome is replicated inside the host cell. This process is usually carried out by the host cell's own DNA or RNA polymerases.

4. Assembly:

* new viral particles are assembled from the replicated viral genome and other viral components.

5. Release:

* the new viral particles are released from the host cell, either through budding or through lysis (rupture) of the host cell.