Which viral replicative cycle involves integration of the viral genome into the host cell's genome?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that viral replicative cycles describe how viruses reproduce within host cells, and different cycles have distinct mechanisms.
2. Recall that the lytic cycle involves the virus taking over the host machinery to produce new viruses immediately, leading to cell lysis without integrating into the host genome.
3. Recognize that the lysogenic cycle is characterized by the integration of the viral genome into the host cell's genome, where it can remain dormant and replicate along with the host DNA.
4. Note that the budding cycle refers to enveloped viruses acquiring their envelope by budding from the host cell membrane, not necessarily involving genome integration.
5. Identify that the retrograde cycle is not a standard term for viral replication cycles, but retroviruses do integrate their genome via reverse transcription, which is a feature of the lysogenic cycle.