All of the following are steps in the lytic cycle of a temperate bacteriophage. Which step occurs second?

• A. Injection of phage DNA into the host cell
• B. Lysis of the host cell and release of new phages
• C. Attachment of the phage to the bacterial cell
• D. Assembly of new phage particles

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the sequence of events in the lytic cycle of a temperate bacteriophage. The lytic cycle generally follows these steps: attachment, injection, replication, assembly, and lysis.
2. Recognize that the first step is the attachment of the phage to the bacterial cell, where the phage binds specifically to receptors on the host cell surface.
3. Understand that the second step is the injection of phage DNA into the host cell, where the phage injects its genetic material through the bacterial cell wall and membrane.
4. Note that after injection, the phage DNA directs the host machinery to replicate phage components, followed by the assembly of new phage particles inside the host cell.
5. Finally, the host cell undergoes lysis, releasing the newly formed phages to infect other cells.