Question 1

Which of the following best explains why certain viruses are specific to particular host cells?

Accepted Answer

Viruses possess surface proteins that recognize and bind to specific receptors on host cells.

Question 2

Which component of a virus is primarily responsible for protecting its genetic material and aiding in host cell attachment?

Accepted Answer

Capsid

Question 3

A scientist is studying a virus that acquires its envelope from the host cell membrane. What is the main function of this viral envelope?

Accepted Answer

It helps the virus evade the host immune system and facilitates entry into new host cells.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the lytic replication cycle of bacteriophages?

Accepted Answer

Integration of viral DNA into the host genome

Question 5

Compare and contrast the lytic and lysogenic cycles of bacteriophage replication. Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The virus acquires its envelope from the host cell membrane as it exits the cell.

Question 7

Which equation best represents the exponential increase in viral particles during the lytic cycle?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ 	imes 2^n$$

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with a viral infection that remains dormant in their cells for years before causing symptoms. Which type of viral replication is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Lysogenic replication

Question 9

Which of the following is a major challenge when culturing viruses in the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Viruses require living host cells for replication, making it difficult to culture them on standard media.

Question 10

Which of the following diseases is NOT caused by prions?

Accepted Answer

Influenza

Question 11

Which statement best describes the difference between prions and viruses?

Accepted Answer

Prions are infectious proteins without nucleic acids, while viruses contain nucleic acids and a protein coat.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains how retroviruses replicate within animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They use reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which integrates into the host genome.

Question 13

A cell infected by a virus begins to divide uncontrollably, eventually forming a tumor. Which process is most likely responsible for this transformation?

Accepted Answer

Viral oncogenesis

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct description of the viral envelope?

Accepted Answer

It is a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane, containing viral glycoproteins.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the capsid in a virus?

Accepted Answer

It protects the viral genome and aids in attachment to host cells.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Animal viruses may enter cells by endocytosis or membrane fusion, while bacteriophages inject their DNA into the host cell.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct list of diseases caused by prions?

Accepted Answer

Kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Fatal familial insomnia

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The viral genome remains dormant within the host cell without producing new virions.

Question 19

Which of the following is a practical difficulty encountered when culturing viruses in the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Viruses require living host cells, so they cannot be grown on standard nutrient agar.

Question 20

Which of the following equations represents the calculation of viral titer after serial dilution and plating?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Viral\ titer} = \frac{	ext{Number\ of\ plaques}}{	ext{Dilution\ factor} 	imes 	ext{Volume\ plated}}$$

Study Guide: Viruses (Microbiology Week 6, Chapter 13)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards