Viruses replicate inside host cells by commandeering the cell's machinery. The replication cycle involves 1) attachment to receptors on the host cell, 2) penetration of the cell, 3) uncoating of the viral genome, 4) transcription of mRNA from the viral DNA or RNA, 5) translation of viral proteins using the host cell's ribosomes, 6) replication of the viral genome, 7) assembly of new virus particles, and 8) release of progeny viruses through cell lysis or budding, resulting in hundreds of new virus particles.