When we’re talking about the differences between the lytic and lysogenic cycles, we’re talking about possibilities that can occur after a virus has infected a cell. Some people have a difficult time in distinguishing the differences between these cycles. The important thing to understand is that there are indeed differences between these cycles. At the same time, there are things that make the cycles highly similar to one another.
What Is The Difference Between Lytic And Lysogenic Cycle
The lytic and lysogenic cycles are 2 differing methods of viral replication. Both concern the spread of viruses, after the virus has infected a cell. One of the most important things to understand about these cycles is that they are indeed different from one another. At the same time, it is possible for these cycles to have the potential to interchangeable with one another. Furthermore, it is possible for replication to involve both of these processes at different points.
However, in the end, there are some marked differences between the two cycles. To begin with, you’re going to want to understand the particulars of the lytic cycle:
• Viral DNA obliterates the cell DNA, and then dominates cell functions, destroying the cells in the process.
• Viruses replicate and produce a progeny phage.
• Symptoms of viral infections begin to appear.
• Virulent viral infections begin to occur.
Keeping the above steps in mind, you are now going to want to want to compare that cycle to the particulars of the lysogenic cycle:
• Viral DNA combines with cell DNA, but the cell is not destroyed.
• Progeny is not created during the next stage.
• Symptoms of viral infections do not appear.
• Temperate viral replications begin to occur.
As you can see, there are some significant differences between the lytic cycle and lysogenic cycle. What you will want to do is keep these differences in mind, while also noting the relationship shared by these cycles. This refers to the fact that cycles can be interchangeable with one another, as well as the fact that the replication process can involve both cycles at different phases.
It is worth noting that when it comes to the lysogenic cycle, it is possible for your viral DNA/RNA to become a permanent part of your cell. This is another unique element to the lysogenic cycle that serves to make it highly different from the lytic cycle, while also reminding us of the ways these cycles share a fascinating, ongoing relationship with one another.
