Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

17. Viruses

Viruses

General Biology

17. Viruses

Viruses

Previous problemNext problem

2:33 minutes

Problem 6

Textbook Question

Compare and contrast the bacteriophage lytic cycle and lysogeny by addressing
(1) the rate of replication of the viral genome
(2) production of virions, and
(3) effect on the host cell.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the bacteriophage lytic cycle. In this cycle, the viral genome is rapidly replicated using the host cell's machinery. The bacteriophage hijacks the host's resources to produce multiple copies of its DNA or RNA.

Step 2: Contrast this with lysogeny, where the viral genome integrates into the host cell's genome as a prophage. During lysogeny, replication of the viral genome occurs passively as the host cell divides, meaning it is slower compared to the lytic cycle.

Step 3: Examine the production of virions. In the lytic cycle, the host cell's machinery is directed to produce new virions (complete virus particles), which are assembled and eventually released. In lysogeny, no virions are produced during the dormant phase, as the virus remains latent within the host genome.

Step 4: Analyze the effect on the host cell. In the lytic cycle, the host cell is destroyed (lysed) as the new virions are released, leading to cell death. In lysogeny, the host cell remains alive and continues to function normally, although it carries the integrated viral genome.

Step 5: Summarize the key differences: The lytic cycle is characterized by rapid replication, active production of virions, and destruction of the host cell, while lysogeny involves slower replication, no immediate virion production, and preservation of the host cell during the dormant phase.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Bacteriophage Lytic Cycle

The lytic cycle is a viral replication process where a bacteriophage infects a host bacterium, hijacks its cellular machinery to replicate its genome, and ultimately causes the host cell to lyse, releasing new virions. This cycle is characterized by rapid replication and high virion production, leading to immediate effects on the host cell, including cell death.

Lysogeny

Lysogeny is a viral life cycle in which the bacteriophage integrates its genome into the host bacterium's DNA, forming a prophage. This process allows the viral genome to be replicated along with the host's genome during cell division, resulting in a slower rate of replication and no immediate production of virions, which preserves the host cell's viability for an extended period.

Comparison of Effects on Host Cell

The lytic cycle leads to the destruction of the host cell through lysis, while lysogeny allows the host cell to survive and replicate, albeit with the viral genome incorporated. This difference in outcomes affects the host population dynamics, as lytic infections can lead to rapid declines in bacterial numbers, whereas lysogenic infections can contribute to genetic diversity and stability within bacterial populations.

Watch next

Master Virus Structure with a bite sized video explanation from Jason

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

What features distinguish the seven major categories of viruses?

879

views

Textbook Question

The outer surface of a virion consists of either a membranous envelope or a protein capsid. How does the outer surface correlate with a virus's mode of exiting a host cell?

788

views

Textbook Question

RNA viruses require their own supply of certain enzymes because

a. Host cells rapidly destroy the viruses.

b. Host cells lack enzymes that can replicate the viral genome.

c. These enzymes translate viral mRNA into proteins.

d. These enzymes penetrate host cell membranes.

2027

views

Textbook Question

Compare and contrast the bacteriophage lytic cycle and lysogeny by addressing (1) the rate of replication of the viral genome, (2) production of virions, and (3) effect on the host cell.