The cycle in which a virus actively destroys the host by replication and lysis is called what?

The cycle in which a virus actively destroys the host by replication and lysis is called what?

• A. Lytic cycle
• B. Lysogenic cycle
• C. Endospore
• D. Prokaryote

Answer: (A)

This question is testing your understanding of how a virus reproduces inside a host and how that affects the host cell. In the lytic cycle, the virus hijacks the host’s machinery to rapidly replicate its genome and assemble many new viral particles. The build-up of these virions leads to the rupture (lysis) of the host cell, releasing the viruses to infect other cells. This is why the lytic cycle is described as actively destroying the host through replication and lysis. In contrast, the lysogenic cycle involves viral DNA integrating into the host genome and lying dormant for a period, so the host isn’t immediately destroyed. Endospore refers to a dormant bacterial structure, and prokaryote is a type of cell, not a viral replication cycle.

This question is testing your understanding of how a virus reproduces inside a host and how that affects the host cell. In the lytic cycle, the virus hijacks the host’s machinery to rapidly replicate its genome and assemble many new viral particles. The build-up of these virions leads to the rupture (lysis) of the host cell, releasing the viruses to infect other cells. This is why the lytic cycle is described as actively destroying the host through replication and lysis.

In contrast, the lysogenic cycle involves viral DNA integrating into the host genome and lying dormant for a period, so the host isn’t immediately destroyed. Endospore refers to a dormant bacterial structure, and prokaryote is a type of cell, not a viral replication cycle.