Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What are the two cycles of viral reproduction?

1. The Lytic Cycle and Proliferative Cycle

2. The Lytic Cycle and Lysogenic Cycle

3. The Lytic Cycle and Replicative Cycle

4. The Latent Cycle and Lytic Cycle

The correct answer is: The Lytic Cycle and Lysogenic Cycle

The Lytic Cycle and Lysogenic Cycle are the two primary processes through which viruses reproduce and propagate. In the Lytic Cycle, a virus attaches to a susceptible host cell, injects its genetic material, and takes over the cell's machinery to produce new viral particles. This process often results in the destruction of the host cell, as it bursts to release the newly formed viruses, leading to the spread of infection to adjacent cells. In contrast, the Lysogenic Cycle involves the integration of the viral DNA into the host cell's genome. In this scenario, the virus can remain dormant for an extended period, replicating alongside the host's DNA during cell division without killing the host cell. The viral genetic material may eventually be triggered to enter the Lytic Cycle, whereby it will start producing new virions. Understanding these two cycles is crucial in the study of virology, as they represent the different strategies viruses use to replicate and persist within a host organism, thereby influencing disease progression and treatment options.