Here's why:

* Lytic refers to the process of breaking down or dissolving a cell.

* In a lytic infection, the virus replicates within the host cell, producing numerous copies of itself.

* Eventually, the cell bursts (lysis) and releases the newly created viruses, which can then infect other cells.

This is in contrast to lysogenic infection, where the virus integrates its genetic material into the host's DNA and remains dormant, potentially reactivating later.