Lytic infection

Lytic Infection

A Lytic Infection is a type of viral infection that results in the destruction of the infected cell. This process is called lysis, hence the name 'lytic'. The virus that causes a lytic infection is known as a lytic or virulent phage.

Overview

During a lytic infection, the virus attaches itself to a host cell and injects its genetic material into it. The host cell then uses its own machinery to replicate the virus's genetic material and produce more virus particles. Once the new virus particles are assembled, they burst out of the host cell, destroying it in the process. This release of new virus particles can then go on to infect other cells.

Stages of Lytic Infection

The stages of a lytic infection include:

1. Attachment: The virus attaches itself to a specific receptor site on the surface of the host cell.
2. Entry: The virus injects its genetic material into the host cell.
3. Replication: The host cell's machinery is used to replicate the virus's genetic material and produce viral proteins.
4. Assembly: The new virus particles are assembled within the host cell.
5. Release: The new virus particles burst out of the host cell, causing it to lyse or break apart.

Lytic vs Lysogenic Infection

A lytic infection is different from a lysogenic infection, another type of viral infection. In a lysogenic infection, the virus integrates its genetic material into the host cell's DNA and lies dormant. The virus can then be activated at a later time, causing a lytic infection.

See Also

• Virus
• Viral Replication
• Lysogenic Infection
• Bacteriophage

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