What happens to a cell after a virus replicates inside it?

Get ready for the IICRC AMRT Test. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, featuring hints and explanations for each. Master your exam preparation!

When a virus replicates inside a host cell, the process typically culminates in the cell bursting, or lysing, which is primarily what leads to the release of new viral particles. This process occurs after the virus takes over the cell's machinery to create copies of itself. As the new viruses accumulate, they can cause the host cell to swell, and ultimately, it can no longer contain the viral load, leading to its rupture. This release can subsequently infect neighboring cells, perpetuating the viral cycle.

The other options do not accurately describe the typical outcome of viral replication. For instance, while a cell might sometimes adapt or respond to infection, it does not become stronger or more resilient in a beneficial sense. Healing and continuing normal function is not feasible due to the devastating effects of viral replication. Additionally, while some viruses may allow the host cell to enter a latent or dormant state without immediate lysis, this is not the most common result following active replication, especially in the context described in the question.

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