Label each step in the bacteriophage replication cycle below.
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Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the first stage of the bacteriophage replication cycle, which is 'Attachment'. This is where the bacteriophage attaches to the surface of the host bacterial cell.
2. Step 2: Recognize the second stage, 'Penetration'. During this stage, the bacteriophage injects its genetic material into the host cell.
3. Step 3: Understand the third stage, 'Biosynthesis'. In this phase, the host cell's machinery is used to replicate the bacteriophage's DNA and synthesize its proteins.
4. Step 4: Identify the fourth stage, 'Maturation'. This is where newly synthesized viral components are assembled into complete virions.
5. Step 5: Recognize the final stage, 'Release'. The host cell lyses, releasing the newly formed bacteriophages to infect other cells.

Key Concepts

Bacteriophage Structure

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. They typically consist of a protein coat (capsid) that encases their genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA. Understanding the structure of bacteriophages is crucial for identifying how they attach to and penetrate bacterial cells during the replication cycle.

Bacteriophage Replication Cycle

The bacteriophage replication cycle includes several key steps: attachment, penetration, biosynthesis, assembly, and release. During attachment, the phage binds to the bacterial surface; penetration involves injecting its genetic material into the host. The biosynthesis phase is where the host's machinery is hijacked to produce new phage components, which are then assembled and released to infect new bacteria.

Lytic vs. Lysogenic Cycles

Bacteriophages can replicate through two main cycles: the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle. In the lytic cycle, the phage causes the host cell to burst, releasing new phages. In contrast, the lysogenic cycle involves the integration of the phage DNA into the host genome, allowing it to replicate along with the host cell until triggered to enter the lytic phase. Understanding these cycles is essential for labeling the steps in the replication process.