Lytic

Lytic cycle is a phase in the life cycle of certain viruses, particularly bacteriophages, which results in the destruction of the infected cell. This process is in contrast to the lysogenic cycle, where the virus integrates its genetic material into the host's genome without causing immediate destruction of the host cell.

Overview

The lytic cycle is one of the two cycles of viral reproduction, the other being the lysogenic cycle. The lytic cycle results in the destruction of the infected cell and its membrane. Viruses that follow the lytic cycle are called virulent viruses.

Stages

The lytic cycle consists of several stages:

1. Attachment: The virus attaches itself to a specific receptor site on the surface of the host cell.
2. Penetration: The virus injects its genetic material into the host cell.
3. Biosynthesis: The host cell's metabolic machinery is used to replicate the viral genetic material and produce viral proteins.
4. Maturation: New viral particles are assembled.
5. Lysis: The host cell is destroyed, releasing the new viral particles.

Examples

Examples of viruses that use the lytic cycle include the cold virus, influenza virus, and HIV. These viruses cause diseases by directly killing cells they infect.

See also

• Virus
• Viral replication
• Lysogenic cycle
• Bacteriophage

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