The lytic cycle is one of the two cycles 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, since it results in the destruction of the infected cell. In contrast to the lysogenic cycle, the lytic cycle does not involve genetic material of the virus being integrated into the host genome. In the lytic cycle, the virus invades the bacteria, and toxins are released, while in the lysogenic cycle, the virus invades the bacteria and takes over its DNA.

Description

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The lytic cycle is a three-stage process.

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, entering through a cellular wound, or by simple mechanical force. The virus then releases its genetic material (either single- or double-stranded DNA or RNA) into the cell.

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. 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 cell eventually becomes filled with viruses (typically 100-200) and bursts, or lyses; thus giving the lytic cycle its name. The new viruses are then free to infect other cells.

Virology

Lytischer Zyklus | Cykl lityczny | Ciclo lítico