What is the term for the process in which a virus enters a cell, makes a copy of itself, and causes the cell to burst?

• A. Lytic cycle
• B. Lysogenic cycle
• C. Aerobic
• D. Anaerobic

Answer: (A)

The lytic cycle is the viral life cycle where the virus enters a cell, uses the cell’s machinery to replicate many copies of itself, assemble new virions, and then cause the cell to burst (lyse) to release those new viruses. This rapid takeover and destruction of the host cell leads to a quick spread of the virus. In contrast, the lysogenic cycle involves viral DNA integrating into the host genome and lying dormant for a time, not causing immediate cell lysis. Aerobic and anaerobic describe how cells generate energy and are not about viral replication cycles. So the process described is the lytic cycle.