In the one-step growth curve of bacteriophages, the interval from infection until the first release of progeny by cell lysis is known as the:

Introduction / Context:
Understanding the one-step growth curve is essential in phage biology. It partitions viral replication into defined phases that are measured experimentally to characterize timing and yield of phage production in infected bacteria.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• An infection is synchronized so all bacteria are infected at approximately the same time.
• Parameters include eclipse period, latent period, rise period, and burst size.
• Cell lysis marks the initial release of mature virions into the medium.

Concept / Approach:
The eclipse period spans from infection until the appearance of mature, intracellular, assembly-complete virions. The latent period spans from infection until the first extracellular appearance of phage—typically at lysis. The rise period is the subsequent rapid increase in free phage concentration as more cells lyse. Burst size is the average number of virions released per lysed cell.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Experimental curves plotting plaque-forming units in the medium vs. time show zero extracellular phage until the end of the latent period, followed by the rise.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Eclipse period: ends before lysis; mature virions exist intracellularly but are not yet released.
• Rise period: begins after lysis as free phage accumulates.
• Burst size: a number (yield), not a time interval.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing eclipse and latent periods; the key difference is extracellular detectability of phage.

Final Answer:
Latent period