Burst size

Definition

Burst size is the number of viral particles released when a host cell bursts at the end of the lytic cycle. It represents the productivity of viral replication within a single infected cell.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Burst size varies significantly between different types of viruses.
2. A higher burst size indicates more efficient viral replication.
3. Burst size is determined experimentally through one-step growth curves.
4. Lytic phages typically have larger burst sizes compared to lysogenic phages.
5. Burst size can be influenced by factors such as host cell type and environmental conditions.

Review Questions

• What does burst size measure in the context of viral replication?
• How does burst size differ between lytic and lysogenic cycles?
• Which factors can influence the burst size of a virus?

Related terms

Lytic Cycle: The process where a virus replicates within a host cell and causes its destruction, releasing new virions.

Lysogenic Cycle: A viral replication cycle in which the virus's genome integrates into the host DNA and replicates along with it without destroying the host.

One-Step Growth Curve: An experimental method used to study the replication cycle of viruses, including determining burst size.