Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the viral capsid?

Accepted Answer

It protects the viral genome from nucleases.

Question 2

A virus that lacks an envelope is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

A naked virus

Question 3

Which step in the viral life cycle is most directly responsible for the production of new viral genomes?

Accepted Answer

Replication and biosynthesis

Question 4

Why do RNA viruses mutate more rapidly than DNA viruses?

Accepted Answer

RNA-dependent RNA polymerases lack proofreading ability

Question 5

Which of the following is a key reason why antiviral drugs must be carefully designed?

Accepted Answer

They must target a process essential for viral replication without being toxic to the host.

Question 6

A virus that enters a host cell by fusing its envelope with the host cell membrane is most likely to be:

Accepted Answer

An enveloped virus

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why viruses are dependent on host cells for replication?

Accepted Answer

Viruses do not have their own metabolic machinery.

Question 8

Which of the following is a major barrier to viral infection in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

The restriction of host translational machinery to monocistronic RNAs

Question 9

A virus that is transmitted from mother to child during birth is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Vertical transmission

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The viral capsid is removed to release the genome into the host cell.

Question 11

Which of the following is a common route of entry for viruses that cause gastroenteritis?

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal tract (faecal-oral route)

Question 12

A virus that spreads from the initial site of infection to the central nervous system via nerves is said to use which route?

Accepted Answer

Neurotropic spread

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world example of a virus that can cross the placenta and cause congenital malformations?

Accepted Answer

Zika virus

Question 14

Which of the following factors does NOT significantly affect the survival of viruses in the environment?

Accepted Answer

Host immune response

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why viruses with segmented genomes are considered emerging pathogens with zoonotic potential?

Accepted Answer

They can reassort their genome segments, leading to new strains.

Question 16

Which of the following patterns of viral infection is characterized by an initial acute phase followed by periods of latency?

Accepted Answer

Acute infection followed by persistent latent infection

Question 17

A patient develops conjunctivitis after swimming in a pool contaminated with enterovirus type 70. Which route of viral entry is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Conjunctiva

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The virus acquires its envelope by pushing out from the host cell membrane.

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible reason why viruses are more stable in water than bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Viruses lack metabolic activity and are less susceptible to environmental changes.

Question 20

A virus infects a host cell and produces a single, long polyprotein that is later cleaved into functional proteins. Which molecular hurdle is this virus overcoming?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome and viral mRNA compatibility

Viral Molecular Biology: Structure, Replication, and Pathogenesis

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