Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic?

Accepted Answer

An epidemic is the occurrence of more cases of disease than expected in a specific area or group over a period of time, while a pandemic is an epidemic that has spread across multiple countries or continents.

Question 2

During the 1918 Spanish Flu, why was the death toll so high worldwide?

Accepted Answer

The human population lacked immunity to the new H1N1 strain, leading to rapid and widespread infection.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about viruses is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Viruses are subcellular and do not have their own ribosomes, so they cannot build proteins on their own.

Question 4

What is the genetic material of a virus?

Accepted Answer

DNA or RNA, but not both

Question 5

Which process describes small mutations in the influenza virus that gradually change its surface proteins?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic drift

Question 6

A new strain of influenza emerges when two different viruses infect the same cell and exchange genetic material. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic shift

Question 7

Which of the following best explains how antiviral drugs like Tamiflu work against influenza?

Accepted Answer

They inhibit neuraminidase, preventing the virus from releasing from the host cell and spreading.

Question 8

Why can't you get the flu from the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

The vaccine contains either inactivated virus or viral subunits that cannot cause disease.

Question 9

Which of the following is a key structural feature of the influenza virus that determines its ability to infect host cells?

Accepted Answer

Hemagglutinin glycoprotein on the viral envelope

Question 10

A student graphs the spread of flu in a classroom simulation. If the number of newly infected individuals per round is given by $$N_{new} = r 	imes N_{infected}$$, where $$r is $$the transmission rate, what would happen to the total number of infected individuals if $$r$$ increases?

Accepted Answer

The total number of infected individuals would increase more rapidly each round.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes how mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 work?

Accepted Answer

They introduce mRNA encoding a viral protein into human cells, which then produce the protein and trigger an immune response.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a symptom commonly associated with influenza infection?

Accepted Answer

High blood pressure

Question 13

Why are individuals infected with influenza predisposed to bacterial infections such as those caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus?

Accepted Answer

Influenza infection weakens the immune system and damages respiratory tract defenses, making it easier for bacteria to invade.

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE about the reproduction of viruses?

Accepted Answer

Viruses are assembled from preformed components inside host cells.

Question 15

If a vaccine contains attenuated (weakened) viruses, what is the main advantage compared to a subunit vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Attenuated vaccines trigger a stronger and longer-lasting immune response because they more closely mimic natural infection.

Question 16

Which equation best models the exponential spread of a virus in a population, assuming each infected person infects $$k$$ new people per round?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{total} = N_0$ 	imes k^t$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a reason why viruses are not considered living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They lack cellular structure and cannot carry out metabolism independently.

Question 18

Which scientist is credited with developing the first tested vaccine, and for which disease?

Accepted Answer

Edward Jenner for smallpox

Question 19

If a population has no immunity to a new viral strain, what is the likely outcome in terms of disease spread?

Accepted Answer

The disease will spread rapidly and may result in a pandemic.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is important in the immune response to mRNA vaccines?

Accepted Answer

MHC proteins display viral antigens on the cell surface, allowing immune cells to recognize and respond to the infection.

Influenza, Disease Spread, and Virus Biology: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards