1) The virus binds to the bacterial host cell surface by the tail fibers.
2) The tail sheath contracts and causes the central core to penetrate the cell wall.
3) The protein coat remains outside the host while viral DNA is injected; host DNA is degraded.
4) Viral molecules are synthesized using host resources; assembly of progeny phages from components begins.
5) A phage enzyme (lysozyme) ruptures (lyses) the cell, releasing progeny phages and completing the lytic cycle.