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The lytic cycle is one of two methods of viral reproduction, the other being the lysogenic cycle. These cycles should not, however, be seen as separate, but rather as somewhat interchangeable. The lytic cycle is typically considered the main method of viral replication (reproduction), since it results in the destruction of the infected cell.

The lytic cycle is often described in steps, sometimes three steps, sometimes five steps or six steps. But all describe the same process. See the related question below for more information about the steps of the lytic cycle.

Penetration To infect a cell, a virus must first enter the cell through the plasma membrane and (if present) the cell wall. Viruses do so by either attaching to a receptor on the cell's surface or by simple mechanical force. The virus then releases its genetic material (either single- or double-stranded DNA or RNA) into the cell. In doing, the cell is infected and can also be targeted by the immune system.

Biosynthesis The virus' nucleic acid uses the host cell's machinery to make large amounts of viral components. In the case of DNA viruses, the DNA transcribes itself into messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules that are then used to direct the cell's ribosomes. One of the first polypeptides to be translated is one that destroys the hosts' DNA. In retroviruses (which inject an RNA strand), a unique enzyme called reverse transcriptase transcribes the viral RNA into DNA, which is then transcribed again into mRNA.

Maturation and lysis After many copies of viral components are made, they are assembled into complete viruses. The phage then directs production of an enzyme that breaks down the bacteria cell wall and allows fluid to enter. The cell eventually becomes filled with viruses (typically 100-200) and liquid, and bursts, or lyses; thus giving the lytic cycle its name. The new viruses are then free to infect other cells.

Lytic cycle without lysis Some viruses escape the host cell without bursting the cell membrane, but rather bud off from it by taking a portion of the membrane with them. Because it otherwise is characteristic of the lytic cycle in other steps, it still belongs to this category. Hepatitis C viruses presumably use this method.

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Which occurs in both the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle?

Both the lytic and lysogenic cycles involve the infection of a host cell by a virus, leading to the insertion of viral genetic material into the host. In both cycles, the viral DNA can be integrated into the host's genome, although in the lysogenic cycle, it remains dormant for a time before potentially entering the lytic phase. Additionally, both cycles ultimately result in the production of new viral particles, although this occurs more immediately in the lytic cycle.


Does the avian flu have a lytic or lysogenic cycle?

I believe it is lytic. Think: colds are fast acting; they don't sit in your cell for years on end. This means they are lytic (fast acting).


Describe the sequence of events that occurs during a lytic infection?

The easiest way to understand how viruses replicate is to study the life cycles of viruses called bacteriophages (bacteria eaters). Bacteriophages replicate by either a lytic cycle or a lysogenic cycle. The difference in these two cycles is that the cell dies at the end of the lytic cycle or the cell remains in the lysogenic cycle. The virus remains "hidden".


How are the lysogenic and lysogenic and lytic cycles different?

In the lysogenic cycle, the virus's genetic material integrates into the host's genome and remains dormant, only activating later to enter the lytic cycle. The lytic cycle involves the virus immediately taking over the host cell's machinery to replicate and destroy the host cell to release new viral particles.


Does Measles go through the lysogenic life cycle or lytic life cycle?

Measles goes through the lytic life cycle, where the virus enters a host cell, replicates, and then destroys the host cell to release new viral particles. This leads to symptoms associated with the infection.