nucleic acid
22.2.1 Lytic Cycle 1. Attachment: The virus binds to specific receptors on the host cell. Entry: There are two ways in which a virus can enter cells. Firstly, the virus can inject its nucleic acid into the host cell. Secondly, if a virus is contained in an envelope, the host cell can phagocytosise the entire virus particle into a vacuole. When the virus breaks out of the vacuole, it then releases its nucleic acid into the cell. Replication: The virus's nucleic acid instructs the host cell to replicate the virus's DNA or RNA. Assembly: New virus particles are assembled. Lysis and Release: The virus directs the production of an enzyme which damages the host cell wall, causing the host cell to swell and burst. The newly formed virus particles are now released.