Overview of the Lytic Cycle

Study Notes

Overview of the Lytic Cycle

The lytic cycle is a viral reproductive cycle resulting in host cell destruction.
It's one of two major reproductive cycles in bacteriophages (phages).
Its primary objective is maximizing viral progeny production.
The cycle proceeds through distinct stages.

Stages of the Lytic Cycle

Attachment: The phage attaches to specific receptor molecules on the host bacterial cell surface. This is crucial, highly specific, often involving protein recognition. Errors can halt infection.
Entry: The phage injects its DNA into the host cell, leaving its protein coat outside. This can be by injection or viral capsid engulfment. Entry delivers the genetic material, essential for subsequent steps.
Replication: Phage DNA hijacks the host cell's machinery. Viral DNA directs host metabolism to replicate the viral genome, synthesize viral proteins (capsid proteins, enzymes), and make copies. Host RNA polymerase replicates viral DNA.
Assembly: Phage DNA and proteins assemble into new phage particles (virions). They utilize host cell resources and machinery. Precise assembly is essential for a successful infection.
Lysis: Newly formed phages cause the host cell to burst (lyse), releasing the new phages to infect other cells. Lysozyme enzymes degrade the cell wall, triggering lysis and virion release. A large number of phages are released immediately. Lysozyme breaks down the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, weakening the cell wall and leading to lysis.

Key Concepts within the Lytic Cycle

Specificity: Attachment stage exhibits high specificity.
Host Cell Control: The phage controls host cell mechanisms during replication.
Viral Production: Rapid viral production is the lytic cycle's goal.
Cell Death: Host cell destruction characterizes the cycle.
Cycle Repeat: The cycle immediately repeats in new host cells upon completion.

Differences between Lytic and Lysogenic Cycle

The lytic cycle prioritizes rapid phage production and host destruction.
The lysogenic cycle, an alternative phage reproduction method, integrates viral DNA into the host genome. This allows viral replication without damaging the cell and maintains persistence in the host without immediate replication/lysis.
Both strategies are crucial for viral replication.

Importance/Applications in Research

Studying the lytic cycle and phage-host interactions aids in understanding viral infections.
Understanding this cycle helps develop phage therapy, a potential alternative to antibiotics for bacterial infections. This method has seen increasing interest.

Description

This quiz covers the lytic cycle, a critical viral reproductive process leading to host cell destruction. It highlights the distinct stages of the cycle, including attachment, entry, and replication. Test your understanding of how bacteriophages operate and their mechanisms of infection.