Question 1

Which of the following best describes the host range of a virus?

Accepted Answer

The spectrum of host cells a virus can infect, determined primarily by specific host cell receptors and viral surface proteins.

Question 2

Which of the following components is found in ALL viruses?

Accepted Answer

Capsid

Question 3

A scientist is measuring the size of a newly discovered virus. Which metric unit should they use to express its size?

Accepted Answer

Nanometer (nm)

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Enveloped viruses acquire their envelope from the host cell membrane during budding, while nonenveloped viruses lack this lipid envelope.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT typically used as a property to classify viruses?

Accepted Answer

Ability to metabolize glucose

Question 6

A bacteriophage is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A virus that infects bacteria.

Question 7

Which of the following is a method commonly used to cultivate bacteriophages in the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Plaque assay using bacterial lawns on agar plates

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between in vivo and in vitro methods for growing animal viruses?

Accepted Answer

In vivo methods use living organisms, while in vitro methods use cell cultures outside of living organisms.

Question 9

A cytopathic effect (CPE) is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Visible structural changes or damage in host cells due to viral infection.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a method commonly used to identify viruses in clinical samples?

Accepted Answer

Gram staining of the virus

Question 11

During the multiplication of a generic animal virus, which step immediately follows penetration of the host cell?

Accepted Answer

Uncoating of the viral nucleic acid

Question 12

Which of the following is a general method by which animal viruses enter host cells?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis

Question 13

A virus that can cause cancer in its host is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Oncogenic

Question 14

Transformation, in the context of virology, refers to:

Accepted Answer

The conversion of a normal cell into a cancerous cell by a virus.

Question 15

Which of the following viruses is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

Human herpesvirus 4 (HHV4, Epstein-Barr virus)

Question 16

Which of the following best describes viral latency?

Accepted Answer

A state in which the viral genome remains in the host cell without producing infectious particles, often reactivating later.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a persistent or chronic viral infection?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B

Question 18

A prion is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

An infectious protein that lacks nucleic acids.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a well-known prion disease?

Accepted Answer

Poliomyelitis

Question 20

A patient presents with cold sores. Which virus is most likely responsible, and what is its formal name?

Accepted Answer

Human herpesvirus 1 (HHV1), Herpes simplex virus type 1

Microbiology: Viruses and Prions Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

Study Guide - Practice Questions