Virus Infections and Hosts

Viral infection involves the incorporation of viral DNA into a host cell, replication of that material, and the release of the new viruses.

Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, may undergo a lytic or lysogenic cycle.

Animal viruses have their genetic material copied by a host cell after which they are released into the environment to cause disease.

Plant viruses can cause damage to stems, leaves, and fruits and can have a major impact on the economy because of food supply disruptions.