Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Viruses lack a cell membrane and cannot reproduce independently.

Question 2

A viral capsid is primarily composed of which type of molecule, and what is its main function?

Accepted Answer

Proteins; to protect viral genetic material and aid in host attachment.

Question 3

Which of the following is an advantage of enveloped viruses compared to naked viruses?

Accepted Answer

Enveloped viruses can evade the host immune system more effectively due to their lipid bilayer.

Question 4

Which virus is an example of a single-stranded RNA genome, and which is an example of a double-stranded DNA genome?

Accepted Answer

Influenza virus (ssRNA); Herpes simplex virus (dsDNA)

Question 5

Antigenic shift and antigenic drift are important concepts in virology. Which statement correctly distinguishes them?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic shift involves major genetic changes due to reassortment, while antigenic drift involves minor mutations over time.

Question 6

A bacteriophage infects a bacterial cell and integrates its genome into the host chromosome, remaining dormant. Which replication pathway is this describing?

Accepted Answer

Lysogenic pathway

Question 7

Which of the following best describes viral tropism?

Accepted Answer

The specificity of a virus for a particular host cell type or tissue.

Question 8

Which of the following is a mechanism by which viral infections can lead to cancer?

Accepted Answer

Viral proteins disrupt normal cell cycle regulation, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.

Question 9

Which laboratory method is most commonly used to detect viral genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction ($$PCR)$$

Question 10

Prions are unique infectious agents. Which of the following is NOT a prion disease?

Accepted Answer

Rotavirus infection

Question 11

Which feature of the gastrointestinal tract most effectively limits digestive system infections?

Accepted Answer

Low pH of stomach acid

Question 12

A patient presents with severe diarrhea, dehydration, and hypovolemic shock. Which equation best describes the relationship between blood volume and blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure $$\propto$$ blood volume

Question 13

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature between foodborne infection and food poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Foodborne infection involves ingestion of live pathogens, while food poisoning involves ingestion of pre-formed toxins.

Question 14

Which organism is the causative agent of cholera, and what is its primary virulence factor?

Accepted Answer

Vibrio cholerae; cholera toxin

Question 15

Which hepatitis virus is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis A virus

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the mucociliary escalator in the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

A mechanism where cilia move mucus upward to clear pathogens from the airways.

Question 17

Serovars are important in respiratory infections. Why do they make curing the common cold difficult?

Accepted Answer

Multiple serovars mean many antigenic variations, making immunity and vaccine development challenging.

Question 18

A patient with tuberculosis is treated with a combination of drugs. Which mechanism of action is most important for these drugs?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of cell wall synthesis

Question 19

Which equation best represents the relationship between the rate of respiratory infections and the effectiveness of the mucociliary escalator?

Accepted Answer

Infection rate $$\propto \frac{1}{	ext{mucociliary escalator effectiveness}}$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a complication associated with Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) infection?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatic fever

Comprehensive Study Notes: Viruses, Prions, Digestive and Respiratory System Infections

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards