Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They are capable of carrying out metabolic pathways independently.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the genetic material found in viruses?

Accepted Answer

Viruses may have either DNA or RNA, which can be single- or double-stranded, linear or circular.

Question 3

Why do viruses exhibit tissue specificity?

Accepted Answer

Viral surface proteins must bind to specific receptor proteins present only on certain host cells.

Question 4

Which of the following diseases is NOT caused by a virus?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Question 5

What is the primary function of the viral capsid?

Accepted Answer

To surround and protect the viral genome

Question 6

During the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage, which of the following is the correct order of events?

Accepted Answer

Attachment, entry, synthesis, assembly, release

Question 7

Which of the following statements best describes lysogenic replication in bacteriophages?

Accepted Answer

The viral genome integrates into the host chromosome and remains inactive for generations.

Question 8

What is the unique feature of retroviruses that distinguishes their replication cycle from other animal viruses?

Accepted Answer

They use reverse transcriptase to synthesize DNA from their RNA genome.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why SARS-CoV-2 caused a global pandemic?

Accepted Answer

It is easily transmitted, causes severe disease, and humans had no prior immunity.

Question 10

Which laboratory method is commonly used to culture bacteriophages?

Accepted Answer

Culturing them in bacterial lawns on agar plates and observing plaque formation

Question 11

Which scientist is credited with discovering prions as infectious agents?

Accepted Answer

Stanley Prusiner

Question 12

How do prions cause disease in mammals?

Accepted Answer

By converting normal cellular PrP into the misfolded, disease-causing prion form

Question 13

Which of the following is a key difference between enveloped and nonenveloped viruses?

Accepted Answer

Nonenveloped viruses are more susceptible to immune recognition once inside the host.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process of transduction?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of DNA from one cell to another via a replicating virus

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding prion diseases?

Accepted Answer

They primarily affect the nervous system and are always fatal.

Question 16

A patient presents with symptoms of encephalitis and large vacuoles in brain tissue. Which infectious agent is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

A prion

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why animal viruses with envelopes are generally less stable outside the host than naked viruses?

Accepted Answer

Their envelopes are easily disrupted by environmental factors.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the replication of retroviruses?

Accepted Answer

They use reverse transcriptase to synthesize DNA from their RNA genome.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of a virus causing cancer in humans?

Accepted Answer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causing cervical cancer

Question 20

Which of the following methods is used to destroy prions on contaminated medical equipment?

Accepted Answer

Autoclaving in concentrated sodium hydroxide

Characterizing and Classifying Viruses & Prions: Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions