Overview
Viral life cycles are essential for understanding how viruses reproduce and affect their hosts. The lytic cycle leads to the destruction of host cells, allowing viruses to spread rapidly, while the lysogenic cycle allows viruses to integrate into the host's DNA, remaining dormant until activated. Th...
Key Terms
Example: Influenza virus causes the flu.
Example: Bacteriophage T4 uses the lytic cycle.
Example: HIV can enter a lysogenic phase.
Example: The prophage can remain dormant until activated.
Example: Bacteria can serve as host cells for bacteriophages.
Example: Viruses replicate by hijacking the host's machinery.
Related Topics
Key Concepts
Lytic CycleLysogenic CycleViral ReplicationHost Interaction