3. Which viral life cycle results in the bursting (lysis) of the host cell?

• A. Latent cycle
• B. Lytic cycle
• C. Lysogenic cycle
• D. Budding cycle

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the different viral life cycles: the lytic cycle, lysogenic cycle, latent cycle, and budding cycle.
2. Recall that the lytic cycle is characterized by the virus taking over the host cell's machinery to produce new viral particles rapidly.
3. Recognize that during the lytic cycle, the host cell eventually bursts (lyses) to release the newly formed viruses.
4. Contrast this with the lysogenic cycle, where the viral DNA integrates into the host genome and does not immediately cause cell lysis.
5. Conclude that the viral life cycle resulting in the bursting (lysis) of the host cell is the lytic cycle.