How does the bird flu virus replicate by lytic cycle?

The bird flu virus, also known as avian influenza virus, can replicate by the lytic cycle in host cells, leading to the destruction of the host cell. Here's an overview of the steps involved in the lytic cycle of the bird flu virus:

1. Attachment: The virus particles attach to specific receptors on the surface of susceptible host cells, such as respiratory epithelial cells in birds or humans.

2. Entry: The virus enters the host cell through fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane or by endocytosis.

3. Uncoating: Once inside the cell, the viral envelope fuses with the cell membrane, releasing the viral RNA and other components into the cytoplasm.

4. Replication: The viral RNA serves as a template for transcription and replication. The viral RNA polymerase transcribes the viral RNA into complementary RNA (cRNA) strands. The cRNA then serves as a template for the synthesis of new viral RNA molecules.

5. Assembly: The newly synthesized viral RNA molecules associate with viral proteins to form new virus particles. The viral proteins are synthesized by the host cell's ribosomes using viral mRNA.

6. Release: The newly assembled virus particles accumulate in the cytoplasm and bud from the host cell membrane, acquiring an envelope derived from the host cell membrane during the process. The budding viruses can then spread and infect other susceptible cells.

7. Cell Death: The lytic replication cycle of the bird flu virus ultimately leads to the destruction of the host cell. The release of viral particles and the accompanying cellular damage cause the host cell to lyse (break open) and release its contents into the extracellular environment.

It's important to note that while the lytic cycle is a common replication strategy for many viruses, some viruses can also replicate through a non-lytic pathway known as the lysogenic cycle. In the lysogenic cycle, the viral DNA integrates into the host cell's genome and remains dormant without causing immediate cell death.