Lytic animal viruses

Definition

Lytic animal viruses are viruses that infect animal cells and cause the lysis (destruction) of the host cell during their replication cycle. This results in the release of new viral particles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The lytic cycle consists of attachment, penetration, biosynthesis, maturation, and release.
2. During the lytic cycle, viral DNA is not integrated into the host genome.
3. Lysis of the host cell releases newly formed virions to infect neighboring cells.
4. Symptoms of viral infections can be due to cell destruction caused by lytic cycles.
5. Examples include bacteriophages like T4 and animal viruses like Influenza virus.

Review Questions

• What are the five stages of the lytic cycle?
• How does a lytic virus differ from a lysogenic virus in terms of host genome integration?
• Why do symptoms of viral infections occur as a result of lytic cycles?

Related terms

Lysogenic Cycle: A viral replication cycle where the virus integrates its DNA into the host genome without immediately destroying the host.

Virion: A complete virus particle that consists of an RNA or DNA core with a protein coat sometimes with external envelopes.

Host Cell: A living cell in which a virus replicates.