What is the main characteristic of the lytic cycle in viral replication?

The lytic cycle in viral replication is characterized by the breakdown of the host cell to release numerous copies of the virus, known as viral clones. During the lytic cycle, a virus infects a host cell and utilizes the host's cellular machinery to replicate its own genetic material and produce viral proteins. This process culminates in the assembly of new virions (virus particles) within the host cell.

As the new virions accumulate, the host cell eventually becomes overwhelmed. The viral replication leads to cell lysis, meaning the cell membrane is disrupted, resulting in the release of the assembled virions into the surrounding environment. This allows the newly formed viruses to infect additional host cells, continuing the cycle of infection and replication.

In contrast, some options describe other viral behaviors or processes. For instance, the integration of viral DNA into the host DNA typically describes the lysogenic cycle, where the viral genome merges with the host's genetic material without immediately destroying the host cell. The production of viral proteins without killing the host is indicative of a latent infection, where viruses can persist in the host without causing immediate harm. The formation of a protective viral capsule refers to the assembly of the viral envelope or capsid, which is indeed a part of viral structure but does