Identify the steps of the lytic cycle. The pieces made in replication are assembled to complete the new virus particles. The new viral nucleic acid and viral proteins are replicated. The virus attaches to the host cell. The original virus releases a protein that causes the cell wall to burst (lysis), killing the cell and releasing viruses. The host’s DNA is disassembled and the virus takes over the cell’s metabolic activity. The steps of a lytic cycle are shown. In step A, the host D N A is disassembled. In Step B, the nucleic acid and viral proteins are replicated. In Step C, the pieces made in replication are assembled. In step D, the original virus releases a protein that causes the cell wall to burst. In step E, the virus attached to the host cell.