[Campbell Biology P.451] What is the primary distinguishing characteristic of a lytic cycle ... | Practice Question

What is the primary distinguishing characteristic of a lytic cycle compared to a lysogenic cycle for a bacteriophage?

  • A: The lytic cycle results in the death of the host cell, whereas the lysogenic cycle allows the phage to coexist with the host.
  • B: The lytic cycle integrates phage DNA into the host genome, while the lysogenic cycle does not.
  • C: Only the lytic cycle involves the production of new phage particles.
  • D: The lytic cycle is characteristic of temperate phages, while the lysogenic cycle is characteristic of virulent phages.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that 'A phage replicative cycle that culminates in death of the host cell is known as a lytic cycle.' In contrast, it mentions that 'Instead of lysing their host cells, many phages coexist with them in a state called lysogeny.' This highlights the key difference in host cell fate.