Index >> Bacteriophages - Part Two >> Vegetative Multiplication,Productive or Lytic Cell

Vegetative Multiplication,Productive or Lytic Cell -

When phage DNA is injected into the bacterial cell it can enter either the lytic cycle or the lysogenic cycle.

During the lytic cycle the linear DNA molecule undergoes circularization and is converted into the circular form. The cyclic DN A molecule transcribes phage mRNA which is then translated in an orderly sequence.

During the next phase, maturation, the assembly of phage particles takes place, each head containing one unit length DNA molecule.

In the final phase of the lytic cycle, lysis of the bacterial cell takes place, releasing the lambda phage particles. The details of the lytic cycle will now be taken up.