What is a key characteristic of the lytic cycle compared to the lysogenic cycle?

In the context of viral replication, the lytic cycle is characterized by the immediate hijacking of the host cell's machinery to produce new viral particles, leading to the destruction of the host cell. During this process, the viral genome replicates and assembles into new virions, which are then released when the host cell bursts, or lyses. This results in the quick and effective propagation of the virus, as many new viruses are simultaneously released to infect other cells.

This key feature distinguishes the lytic cycle from the lysogenic cycle, where the viral DNA integrates into the host's genome and can remain dormant for an extended period, allowing the virus to replicate passively along with the host cell's DNA without immediately killing the host. Thus, the lytic cycle is marked by the host cell's destruction and the rapid release of new viral particles, reinforcing the aggressive nature of this viral replication strategy.