Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A protein shell that encloses the viral nucleic acid and protects it from degradation.

Question 2

What is an extracellular virus particle called?

Accepted Answer

Virion

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a criterion used to classify viruses?

Accepted Answer

Ability to metabolize glucose

Question 4

A virus contains single-stranded RNA as its genetic material. Which of the following best describes this type of virus?

Accepted Answer

It can be classified as an sRNA virus.

Question 5

Which of the following correctly lists the steps of the lytic cycle in order?

Accepted Answer

Attachment, penetration, biosynthesis, maturation, release

Question 6

Which of the following is a key difference between animal virus replication and bacteriophage replication?

Accepted Answer

Animal viruses often enter host cells by fusion or endocytosis, while bacteriophages inject their nucleic acid into the host.

Question 7

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between the lytic cycle and lysogeny?

Accepted Answer

The lytic cycle results in immediate destruction of the host cell, while lysogeny involves integration of viral DNA into the host genome.

Question 8

A virus is called a ________ when its DNA becomes incorporated into an animal host’s DNA.

Accepted Answer

Provirus

Question 9

Which of the following scenarios best indicates that an RNA virus has become part of the host DNA?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase activity is detected, and viral DNA is integrated into the host genome.

Question 10

Which of the following is a common way that viruses cause damage to host cells?

Accepted Answer

By causing cell lysis and disrupting normal cellular processes

Question 11

A patient is infected with a latent virus. Which of the following best explains how the virus can remain hidden and what might trigger its reactivation?

Accepted Answer

The viral genome integrates into the host DNA and can be reactivated by stress or immunosuppression.

Question 12

A known RNA virus was isolated from a patient who developed symptoms after a stressful period at work, months after returning from Asia. What is the last step in the lysogenic cycle that was triggered by stress?

Accepted Answer

Induction

Question 13

Which of the following statements best explains the relationship between HIV and retroviruses?

Accepted Answer

HIV is a retrovirus that uses reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA.

Question 14

How can viruses contribute to the development of cancer in humans?

Accepted Answer

By directly causing mutations in host oncogenes or activating proto-oncogenes

Question 15

Which of the following terms refers to an abnormal mass of tissue that results from uncontrolled cell division?

Accepted Answer

Neoplasm

Question 16

What is the difference between oncogenes and proto-oncogenes?

Accepted Answer

Oncogenes are mutated forms of proto-oncogenes that can cause cancer.

Question 17

Which of the following best distinguishes viroids from viruses?

Accepted Answer

Viroids are small, circular RNA molecules without a protein coat, while viruses have a protein capsid.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about prions is correct?

Accepted Answer

Prions are infectious proteins that cause diseases in animals by inducing abnormal folding of normal proteins.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the structure of a prion and what it infects?

Accepted Answer

A misfolded protein that infects animal nervous tissue

Question 20

A farmer notices stunted growth in his potato crop. Laboratory analysis reveals the presence of a small, circular RNA molecule without a protein coat. What is the most likely infectious agent?

Accepted Answer

Viroid

Microbiology Study Guide: Viruses, Viral Replication, and Related Concepts

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