Q: Which equation best represents the central dogma of molecular biology as it relates to viral infection?

$$\text{DNA} \rightarrow \text{mRNA} \rightarrow \text{protein}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of a viral capsid?

Accepted Answer

It is a protein shell that holds genetic information and injects it into a new cell to infect.

Question 2

A virus with a single-stranded RNA genome can use its nucleic acid as a template to produce which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Both mRNA for translation and new copies of the viral genome.

Question 3

Which viral structure is most likely to be found in a bacteriophage, and why are bacteriophages typically more complex than viruses that infect humans?

Accepted Answer

Complex; because bacteria have cell walls that require specialized mechanisms for DNA injection.

Question 4

During viral replication, which step involves the transcription and translation of viral proteins?

Accepted Answer

Transcription and translation of viral proteins

Question 5

If a virus binds to the ACE2 receptor on pneumocytes, which organ is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Lungs

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why vaccination is effective in preventing viral infections?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination exposes the body to molecules resembling the viral capsid, stimulating the adaptive immune system to produce antibodies.

Question 7

Which equation best represents the central dogma of molecular biology as it relates to viral infection?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{DNA} ightarrow 	ext{mRNA} ightarrow 	ext{protein}$$

Question 8

A virus with a high mutation rate is likely to:

Accepted Answer

Produce many viruses that are unable to infect new cells.

Question 9

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of viral integration into the host genome, as seen with human papilloma virus (HPV)?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of tumor suppressor p53, increasing cancer risk.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the adaptive immune response to viral infection?

Accepted Answer

Antibodies are generated through random rearrangement of exons in mRNAs, creating a random protein-binding domain.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a type of viral nucleic acid found in viruses?

Accepted Answer

Double-stranded protein

Question 12

A patient is exposed to a virus with a low mutation rate. What is the most likely outcome regarding immunity?

Accepted Answer

The exterior of the viral capsid will not change over time, making it easier for the immune system to defend against it.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why different viruses affect different organs?

Accepted Answer

Viruses bind to specific receptors found only on certain cell types.

Question 14

Which of the following is a plausible reason why the mortality rate of smallpox was much higher than that of Covid-19 among naïve populations?

Accepted Answer

Smallpox caused more systemic inflammation and had a more aggressive infection cycle.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world application of the concept of viral capsid recognition by the immune system?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination with molecules resembling the viral capsid stimulates antibody production.

Question 16

Which equation best represents the exponential growth phase of a viral infection in a host cell population?

Accepted Answer

$$N(t) = N_0$ e$$^{rt}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible distractor for the mechanism of HIV replication?

Accepted Answer

HIV integrates its DNA into the host genome after reverse transcription of its RNA.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the random generation of antibody recognition sites?

Accepted Answer

Recognition sites are generated through random rearrangement of exons in a specific class of mRNAs.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between viral mutation rate and immune system recognition?

Accepted Answer

Low mutation rate makes the exterior of the viral capsid stable, aiding immune recognition.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of viral prevention?

Accepted Answer

Inoculation with small amounts of infectious material to confer immunity.

Viruses: Structure, Replication, and Impact on Host Organisms

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