Viral replication – lytic and lysogenic cycles

BiologyMicrobiology & VirusesAges 15–16

A phage attaches to a bacterium and injects its DNA, the host cell synthesizes viral DNA and coat protein, assembles dozens of new virions, then bursts open to release them (lytic cycle). In the lysogenic cycle, viral DNA inserts into the bacterial chromosome as a prophage, replicating with the host cell through repeated divisions until induction (UV light) switches it to the lytic cycle. Students step through each stage and change the speed and the number of virions released.