Question 1

Which of the following viruses require an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication?

Accepted Answer

Single-stranded + RNA, single-stranded - RNA, and double-stranded RNA viruses

Question 2

Which enzyme is responsible for integrating the HIV genome into the host cell DNA?

Accepted Answer

Integrase

Question 3

A patient is prescribed a CCR5 antagonist as part of their HIV therapy. What stage of the HIV life cycle does this drug target?

Accepted Answer

Attachment and entry into the host cell

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the genome of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?

Accepted Answer

Double-stranded DNA

Question 5

What is the primary function of the HIV accessory protein Vif?

Accepted Answer

Protects reverse transcriptase from host protein APOBEC3G

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why HIV is considered a quasispecies within an infected individual?

Accepted Answer

It undergoes high mutation rates, generating diverse strains

Question 7

Which step in the HIV replication cycle is specifically inhibited by protease inhibitors?

Accepted Answer

Cleavage of viral polyproteins into functional proteins

Question 8

A patient with recurrent oral lesions is most likely infected with which virus?

Accepted Answer

HSV-1

Question 9

Which of the following is a key feature of persistent viral infections such as those caused by HSV and HIV?

Accepted Answer

Ability to evade immune responses and establish latency

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in HIV therapy?

Accepted Answer

They act as chain terminators during reverse transcription

Question 11

Which protein on the HIV envelope is responsible for binding to the CD4 receptor on host cells?

Accepted Answer

gp120

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why there is no vaccine for HIV?

Accepted Answer

HIV has a high mutation rate, leading to antigenic variation

Question 13

Which of the following is a unique feature of lentiviruses compared to simple retroviruses?

Accepted Answer

They have complex genomes and cause slow-progressing infections

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the replication strategy of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) DNA?

Accepted Answer

Rolling-circle replication using viral DNA polymerase

Question 15

A new antiviral drug inhibits the function of the HIV integrase enzyme. What is the expected effect on the HIV life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Viral DNA cannot integrate into the host genome

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the role of LAT proteins in HSV infection?

Accepted Answer

They maintain latency in neurons

Question 17

Which of the following is a common feature shared by persistent infections caused by HIV and HSV?

Accepted Answer

Infection of cell types suitable for long-term persistence

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the HIV protein Tat?

Accepted Answer

Binds TAR site on nascent RNA to activate transcription

Question 19

Which of the following viruses is most closely associated with the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma?

Accepted Answer

Herpes Virus 8

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the action of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) in HIV therapy?

Accepted Answer

They bind directly to reverse transcriptase and inhibit its activity

Molecular Aspects of Viral Replication: HIV, HSV, and SARS-CoV-2

Study Guide - Practice Questions