Front

What is a virus?

Back

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism.

Front

What are the two main cycles of viral infection?

Back

The two main cycles are the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle.

Front

What happens during the lytic cycle?

Back

In the lytic cycle, a virus infects a host cell, replicates its genetic material, assembles new virus particles, and then causes the host cell to lyse (burst), releasing new viruses.

Front

What is the first step of the lytic cycle?

Back

Attachment - the virus attaches to the surface of the host cell.

Front

What is the second step of the lytic cycle?

Back

Injection - the virus injects its genetic material into the host cell.

Front

What occurs during the synthesis step of the lytic cycle?

Back

The host cell's machinery is used to synthesize viral components, including proteins and nucleic acids.

Front

What is the assembly step in the lytic cycle?

Back

Assembly is the process where newly synthesized viral components are put together to form new virus particles.

Front

What is lysis in the context of the lytic cycle?

Back

Lysis is the final step where the host cell bursts, releasing new viruses into the environment.

Front

What is the difference between lytic and lysogenic cycles?

Back

In the lytic cycle, the virus immediately destroys the host cell, while in the lysogenic cycle, the virus integrates its DNA into the host's DNA and can remain dormant.

Front

What is a lysogenic cycle?

Back

A lysogenic cycle is a viral replication cycle where the viral DNA is incorporated into the host cell's DNA and can remain inactive for a period.