Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the extracellular state of a virus?

Accepted Answer

It is called a virion and consists of a capsid and nucleic acid, sometimes surrounded by an envelope.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of viruses?

Accepted Answer

They can replicate independently of host cells.

Question 3

A virus with a helical capsid and a phospholipid envelope would be classified as:

Accepted Answer

An enveloped helical virus

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why enveloped viruses are generally more fragile than naked viruses?

Accepted Answer

Their envelopes are derived from host cell membranes, which are sensitive to environmental conditions.

Question 5

Which of the following is the primary criterion used by scientists to classify viruses?

Accepted Answer

The type of genetic material (DNA or RNA)

Question 6

A virus that can infect multiple species and cell types is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A generalist virus

Question 7

Viral tropism refers to:

Accepted Answer

The specific affinity of a virus for a particular host, tissue, or cell type

Question 8

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the lytic replication cycle?

Accepted Answer

Latency

Question 9

During which stage of the lytic replication cycle does the viral genome direct the host cell to produce viral components?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a latent viral infection?

Accepted Answer

The virus remains dormant in the host cell and may reactivate later.

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the genetic material of viruses?

Accepted Answer

It may be single-stranded or double-stranded, and either DNA or RNA.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the lytic replication cycle?

Accepted Answer

Attachment → Entry → Synthesis → Assembly → Release

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why a virus is not considered a prokaryote?

Accepted Answer

Viruses lack cellular structure and do not have cytoplasm or organelles.

Question 14

Which of the following is the best description of a nucleocapsid?

Accepted Answer

A viral genome surrounded by a protein capsid

Question 15

How do animal viruses generally attach to host cells?

Accepted Answer

By glycoprotein spikes or other viral surface molecules binding to complementary molecules on the host cell surface

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-life example of viral latency?

Accepted Answer

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) causing chickenpox and later reactivating as shingles

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the specificity of viral infection for certain cell types?

Accepted Answer

Viral surface proteins have affinity for complementary proteins on the host cell surface.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a possible form of viral genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Both DNA and RNA in the same virion

Question 19

A scientist discovers a new virus that infects only liver cells in humans. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Viral tropism

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of viral assembly?

Accepted Answer

The host cell synthesizes viral components and assembles them into new virions.

Overview and Structure of Viruses (Chapter 13 Study Notes)

Study Guide - Practice Questions