Which viral replication cycle results in the destruction of the host cell to release newly formed viruses?

• A. Binary fission
• B. Lysogenic cycle
• C. Lytic cycle
• D. Budding

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key characteristic of each viral replication cycle option: Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes, not a viral replication cycle.
2. Understand that the lysogenic cycle involves integration of the viral genome into the host DNA, where the virus can remain dormant without immediately destroying the host cell.
3. Recognize that the lytic cycle is characterized by the active replication of viruses inside the host cell, leading to the production of many new viruses.
4. Note that in the lytic cycle, the host cell is eventually lysed (destroyed) to release the newly formed viruses, which is the defining feature of this cycle.
5. Budding is a process used by some viruses to exit the host cell without destroying it, so it does not result in host cell destruction.