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Chapter 18: Problem 9

Describe how lytic bacteriophages are released from their host cells.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Lytic bacteriophages are released from their host cells through a process known as lysis. After using the host cell's machinery to produce new bacteriophages, the cell becomes filled with them, leading to a rise in internal pressure. Meanwhile, the bacteriophage produces lysozymes which weaken the bacterial cell wall. The combination of these factors causes the cell to burst open, allowing the newly produced bacteriophage to be released and infect other cells in the surrounding environment.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Lytic Cycle

The lytic cycle is the process in which bacteriophages replicate within a bacterial host. This cycle, as implied by its name, ends in lysis, or the breaking down of the host cell, hence releasing the bacteriophages.
02

The process of Lysis

During the lytic cycle, the bacteriophage injects its genetic material into the bacterial cell, which then alters the host's DNA to replicate the virus instead of the cell's original substances. After several replication cycles, the newly produced bacteriophages assemble within the cell. As a consequence, the cell becomes bloated with bacteriophages, causing a rise in internal pressure.
03

Bacteriophage Release

The bacteriophage expresses particular enzymes known as lysozymes, which weaken parts of the bacterial cell wall. The heightened internal pressure, combined with the weakened state of the cell wall, causes the bacterial cell to burst open or 'lyse'. As a result, the newly assembled bacteriophages are released into the surroundings and free to continue the cycle by infecting other bacterial cells.

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