Bacteriophage replication: the yield of phage particles produced from a single infected bacterium is called what?

Introduction / Context:
In one-step growth experiments with bacteriophages, key time points and quantities describe viral replication dynamics. Understanding these terms helps interpret growth curves and infection kinetics. This item asks for the term describing the number of phage progeny produced per infected host cell.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Single-cycle (one-step) growth conditions are assumed.
• Standard terms: eclipse period, latent period, rise period, and burst size.
• Measured using plaque assays or quantitative titers over time.

Concept / Approach:
The burst size is defined as the average number of mature phage particles released from one bacterium at lysis. It depends on phage type, host physiology, and conditions. The eclipse period is when no mature intracellular phage are detectable; the latent period spans from adsorption to the first release of mature phage; the rise period is when extracellular titer increases to a plateau.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Perform multiplicity-of-infection–controlled assays and compare counts pre- and post-lysis to derive the same number.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Eclipse size: Not a standard term; eclipse refers to a time period with no detectable mature phage.
• Latent size: Not a standard term; latent refers to a time interval.
• None of these: Incorrect because “burst size” is well-established.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing time intervals (eclipse/latent) with quantitative yield; ignoring partial infections or superinfection effects.

Final Answer:
burst size