Label each step in the bacteriophage replication cycle below.

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Step 1: Identify the first stage of the bacteriophage replication cycle, which is typically the attachment (or adsorption) phase where the phage binds to specific receptors on the bacterial cell surface.

Step 2: Recognize the second stage as penetration, where the bacteriophage injects its genetic material (DNA or RNA) into the host bacterial cell, leaving the capsid outside.

Step 3: Determine the third stage, which is biosynthesis. During this phase, the phage DNA directs the host cell's machinery to replicate phage nucleic acids and synthesize phage proteins.

Step 4: Identify the fourth stage as maturation (or assembly), where newly synthesized phage components are assembled into complete virions inside the host cell.

Step 5: Label the final stage as release, where the host cell lyses (breaks open), releasing new phage particles to infect other bacterial cells.

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Key Concepts

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

Bacteriophage Replication Cycle Stages

The bacteriophage replication cycle includes distinct stages: attachment, penetration, biosynthesis, maturation, and release. Each step describes how the virus attaches to a bacterial cell, injects its genetic material, replicates components, assembles new phage particles, and finally lyses the host to release progeny.

Attachment and Penetration

Attachment is the initial step where the bacteriophage binds specifically to receptors on the bacterial surface. Penetration follows, involving injection of phage DNA or RNA into the host cell, leaving the protein coat outside, which is critical for initiating infection.

Lytic vs Lysogenic Cycles

Bacteriophages can undergo a lytic cycle, leading to host cell destruction and phage release, or a lysogenic cycle, where phage DNA integrates into the host genome and replicates passively. Understanding these pathways is essential to label replication steps correctly.

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