What is viral reproduction?
The basic phage can only reproduce using the lytic cycle (invasion and bursting of the host cell) or the lysogenic cycle (the merging of viral DNA with the host’s DNA without bursting the cell). Viruses can switch between these two methods of reproduction; the lysogenic cycle rotates with the lytic cycle under certain conditions. However, retroviruses, such as HIV take over a host cell and use the cell’s own systems to replicate the viral RNA and proteins. The building blocks of the virus (proteins and RNA) bud off from the host cell (without destroying the host) thus reproducing the virus. In the lytic and lysogenic cycles, viruses bind to specific receptors on the cell’s surface while injecting their genetic material into the host. Retroviruses fuse with the host’s plasma membrane, dumping their contents into the cytoplasm. Phages with double-stranded DNA use the lytic and lysogenic cycles. The reproductive cycles of phages are most understood. Other viruses may use other methods, bu
