The key differences between the lysogenic and lytic cycles of viral infection are as follows:
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Integration vs. Immediate Replication:
- In the lysogenic cycle, the viral DNA integrates into the host cell's genome and can remain dormant (prophage) for an extended period, replicating along with the host's DNA without destroying the host.
- In the lytic cycle, the viral DNA takes over the host cell machinery immediately to replicate and produce viral proteins, leading to the eventual lysis (destruction) of the host cell.
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Host Cell Outcome:
- The lysogenic cycle does not destroy the host cell immediately; instead, the virus exists in a dormant state and can activate later to enter the lytic cycle.
- The lytic cycle results in the destruction (lysis) of the host cell as new viruses are released.
In summary, the main distinctions are the immediate effects on the host cell (destruction in the lytic cycle vs. dormancy in the lysogenic cycle) and the lifecycle of the virus (integration into the host's DNA in the lysogenic cycle vs. active replication in the lytic cycle).