Describe the difference between the bacteriophage lytic cycle and lysogenic cycle.

Key Concepts

Bacteriophage Structure and Function

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. They consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat. Understanding their structure is crucial for comprehending how they interact with bacterial cells during the lytic and lysogenic cycles.

Lytic Cycle

The lytic cycle is a viral reproductive process where the bacteriophage injects its genetic material into a bacterial cell, hijacking the host's machinery to produce new phage particles. This cycle culminates in the lysis, or bursting, of the bacterial cell, releasing new phages to infect other cells.

Lysogenic Cycle

In contrast, the lysogenic cycle involves the integration of the phage's genetic material into the bacterial genome, forming a prophage. This allows the phage DNA to be replicated along with the host's DNA during cell division, remaining dormant until triggered to enter the lytic cycle, where it can then produce new phages.