In which phase of the T4 phage lytic cycle are new phage particles assembled?

• A. Penetration
• B. Attachment
• C. Release
• D. Assembly

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage, which includes several stages: attachment, penetration, biosynthesis, assembly, and release.
2. Attachment: The phage attaches to the surface of the bacterial host cell using its tail fibers.
3. Penetration: The phage injects its genetic material into the host cell, leaving the capsid outside.
4. Biosynthesis: The host cell's machinery is used to replicate the phage's DNA and synthesize phage proteins.
5. Assembly: New phage particles are assembled from the replicated DNA and synthesized proteins, forming complete virions inside the host cell.