Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why Zika virus infection during pregnancy is particularly concerning?

Accepted Answer

It can cause microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus.

Question 2

Which protein is responsible for mediating the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into human host cells?

Accepted Answer

Spike (S) glycoprotein

Question 3

What is the primary function of the A* protein in bacteriophage $$\phiX174$$?

Accepted Answer

It shuts down host DNA synthesis by re-translating mRNA for gene A.

Question 4

Which Baltimore class of viruses primarily infects eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Class IV (ss(+)
RNA)

Question 5

Why did DNA viruses likely arise according to the RNA world hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To provide protection from ribonucleases and increase genome stability.

Question 6

Which of the following is a unique feature of Pandoravirus compared to most other viruses?

Accepted Answer

It has a dsDNA genome larger than some bacteria, about $$1\,
m$$

Question 7

What is the main reason why most antiviral drugs are ineffective against the common cold?

Accepted Answer

There are a large number of viral cold pathogens, making complete protective immunity or vaccines impractical.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the replication strategy of bacteriophage M13?

Accepted Answer

It is released from the host without lysis, causing chronic infection.

Question 9

Which of the following is true regarding the proteomic evidence for viral evolution?

Accepted Answer

Proteome analysis suggests viruses originated from ancient cells with segmented RNA genomes before the last universal common ancestor (LUCA).

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct statement about the life cycle states of Zika virus?

Accepted Answer

The fusogenic state is responsible for host membrane binding.

Question 11

Which protein in SARS-CoV-2 is structurally bound to the nucleic acid and involved in genome replication?

Accepted Answer

Nucleocapsid (N) protein

Question 12

Which of the following viruses is used as a model for cloning and DNA sequencing in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Bacteriophage M13

Question 13

Which of the following is a key reason why RNA viruses are considered to be older than DNA viruses?

Accepted Answer

Proteomic analysis suggests RNA viruses originated from ancient cells before the last universal common ancestor.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein?

Accepted Answer

Assembly and release of the virion

Question 15

Which diagnostic method is considered the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 detection?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)

Question 16

Which of the following statements about viral protein synthesis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Early proteins are usually enzymes made in small amounts soon after infection.

Question 17

Which of the following viruses has a genome with overlapping genes, allowing parts of the genome to be read in different reading frames?

Accepted Answer

Bacteriophage $$\phiX174$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the hosts for viruses of each Baltimore class?

Accepted Answer

Class VI (Retroviruses) infect only animals.

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible reason for the evolutionary appearance of viruses?

Accepted Answer

As a mechanism to quickly move genes between cells.

Viral Genomics, Diversity, and Ecology: Study Notes for Microbiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions