In the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage, what is the main outcome for the host cell?

• A. Phage DNA is integrated into the host genome.
• B. Phage DNA is degraded and the host survives.
• C. New phage particles are produced and the host cell lyses.
• D. Phage DNA remains episomal and causes no harm.

Answer: (C)

In the lytic cycle, the host cell is destroyed as new phage particles are produced and released. After the phage injects its DNA, the host’s machinery is hijacked to replicate the phage genome and synthesize phage proteins, then these components are assembled into mature virions. Enzymes from the phage cause lysis of the cell membrane and wall, releasing many new phages. This outcome contrasts with the lysogenic cycle, where the phage genome integrates into the host genome and the cell remains alive, or with episomal maintenance, where the phage DNA persists without immediate harm. So the defining result here is production of progeny phages followed by host cell lysis.