Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why viruses are not considered living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They can only reproduce by invading and controlling a host cell's machinery.

Question 2

A scientist is attempting to culture a newly discovered animal virus. Which of the following methods would be most appropriate for initial isolation and amplification?

Accepted Answer

Inoculating the virus into embryonated chicken eggs.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of viral spikes?

Accepted Answer

They facilitate attachment to specific host cell receptors.

Question 4

A virus with a segmented, negative-sense RNA genome is most likely to:

Accepted Answer

Require conversion to positive-sense RNA before translation.

Question 5

Which of the following equations best represents the exponential increase in virion number during the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ e$$^{kt}$$

Question 6

Which of the following is a key difference between the lytic and lysogenic cycles of bacteriophages?

Accepted Answer

The lysogenic cycle allows the viral genome to be passively replicated with the host cell's DNA.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a naked virus?

Accepted Answer

A virus that lacks an envelope surrounding its capsid.

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with cervical cancer linked to a viral infection. Which of the following mechanisms best explains how the virus contributed to cancer development?

Accepted Answer

The viral genetic material integrated into the host DNA, activating oncogenes.

Question 9

Which of the following is a major advantage of using tissue culture for animal virus propagation?

Accepted Answer

It allows for the observation of cytopathic effects (CPE) in a controlled environment.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why prions are considered infectious agents despite lacking nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

They induce abnormal folding of normal host proteins.

Question 11

A virus is classified as a polyhedral, non-enveloped DNA virus. Which of the following is the most likely example?

Accepted Answer

Adenovirus

Question 12

Which of the following laboratory techniques is most useful for identifying a virus based on its genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the process of viral budding?

Accepted Answer

The virus acquires its envelope from the host cell membrane during release.

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of a persistent viral infection?

Accepted Answer

The virus is continuously released from the host cell over a long period.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why viruses have a limited host range?

Accepted Answer

They can only infect cells with compatible attachment sites and cellular factors.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the taxonomy of viruses?

Accepted Answer

Viral families are named with the suffix '-viridae'.

Question 17

A patient presents with symptoms of a latent viral infection. Which of the following best describes the state of the virus in the patient’s cells?

Accepted Answer

The viral genome is integrated into the host DNA and not producing new virions.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the capsid in a virus?

Accepted Answer

It protects the viral nucleic acid and aids in host cell entry.

Question 19

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of complex viruses such as bacteriophages?

Accepted Answer

They possess additional structures such as tail fibers and base plates.

Acellular Agents: Viruses and Prions – Comprehensive Study Notes

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