Multiple Choice
Which cytopathic effect is characterized by the formation of multinucleated giant cells (syncytia), and which viral agent is most commonly associated with this effect?
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1. Introduction to Microbiology
Acellular Infectious Agents: Viruses, Viroids & Prions
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Retroviruses are unique in that they:
A
replicate exclusively in the cytoplasm without entering the nucleus
B
contain double-stranded DNA as their genetic material
C
lack a protein coat surrounding their genetic material
D
possess an enzyme that synthesizes DNA from an RNA template
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the defining characteristics of retroviruses, which are a group of RNA viruses with unique replication mechanisms.
Recall that retroviruses carry their genetic information as single-stranded RNA, not double-stranded DNA, so the option about double-stranded DNA is incorrect.
Recognize that retroviruses have a protein coat (capsid) surrounding their genetic material, so the statement about lacking a protein coat is false.
Know that retroviruses replicate by reverse transcribing their RNA genome into DNA, which then integrates into the host's genome; this requires the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Conclude that the unique feature of retroviruses is their possession of an enzyme that synthesizes DNA from an RNA template, which is reverse transcriptase.
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