Let me share with you a comparison between Lytic cycle and Lysogenic cycle.
| Aspect | Lytic cycle | Lysogenic cycle |
| Introduction | A lifecycle in which the host cell is immediately taken over by the virus, leading to the production of new virions and cell lysis. | A life cycle in which the viral DNA integrates into the host genome and remains latent for a period without causing immediate lysis. |
| Host Cell Fate | Host cell is destroyed through lysis, releasing newly formed virions. | Host cell remains alive, as the viral DNA integrates into the host genome without causing immediate cell death. |
| Replication | Viral genome is replicated, and new viral particles are assembled within the host cell. | Viral DNA integrates into the host genome and is replicated along with the host cell’s DNA during cell division. |
| Onset of Symptoms | Rapid onset of symptoms as the host cell is quickly lysed. | Delayed onset of symptoms, as the virus remains latent within the host cell before transitioning to the lytic phase. |
| Virion Production | High levels of virion production, leading to the release of numerous new viral particles. | Limited virion production during the lysogenic phase, as the viral DNA is integrated and not actively producing new virions. |
| Duration of Infection | Usually a short duration, with rapid replication and cell lysis. | Can be a long-term infection, with the viral DNA remaining integrated into the host genome for an extended period. |
| Trigger for Transition | Immediate environmental cues, such as the availability of host resources, trigger the transition to the lytic phase. | Environmental stressors can trigger the transition from lysogenic to lytic phase. |
| Examples | · Bacteriophages e.g., T4 phage | · Lambda phage in Escherichia coli
· Certain animal viruses, such as herpesviruses, can also exhibit a lysogenic phase. |