Lytic cycle.

A virulent phage such as T4 reproduces only by a lytic cycle which leads to lysis of the host.

  • T4 uses its tail fibers to bind to receptors on a bacterial cell.
  • Phage DNA is injected.
  • Host resources are used to produce viral DNA and proteins.
  • Viral DNA is packaged in the head, attached to tail apparatus.
  • Progeny phages burst (lyse) the host cell.

    Review: