Virology Quiz & Flashcards

The protein coat, or capsid, protects the viral genetic material; viruses do not reproduce independently or absorb nutrients.

Antiviral drugs work by inhibiting viral enzymes necessary for replication; they do not enhance replication or provide nutrients.

Viruses are non-living because they do not have cells and cannot perform metabolism or reproduce independently.

Bacteriophages specifically infect bacteria, unlike other viruses that target animals, plants, or fungi.

In the lysogenic cycle, viral DNA integrates into the host genome, unlike the lytic cycle where immediate replication occurs.

Spike proteins help viruses enter host cells by binding to cell receptors; they do not provide energy or degrade cells.

Antigenic drift involves gradual mutations in viral antigens, unlike rapid genetic changes or recombination of strains.

HIV integrates into the host genome as part of its replication process, unlike influenza, herpes, or Ebola.

RNA viruses mutate rapidly, complicating vaccine development; they typically elicit an immune response and do not remain latent.

Antibiotics target bacterial cellular structures that viruses lack; viruses do not have cell walls or undergo binary fission.

Zoonotic viruses are transmitted from animals to humans, unlike viruses that infect plants or originate from bacteria.

Non-enveloped viruses lack a lipid membrane, but have a protein coat and genetic material; viruses do not have ribosomes.

Viral tropism determines which host tissues or cells a virus can infect, not its replication speed or genetic stability.

Retroviruses use reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA, unlike other RNA viruses; they have a protein coat and do replicate.

Interferons signal neighboring cells to enhance their antiviral defenses, rather than directly killing viruses or degrading proteins.

Viral reservoirs serve as long-term hosts for viruses, aiding in their persistence and spread; they do not provide nutrients or kill hosts.

The lysogenic cycle involves integration into the host genome, unlike the lytic cycle which leads to host cell lysis.

Viruses can integrate their DNA into host genomes, altering genetic variation; they do not directly compete for nutrients.

Horizontal gene transfer involves the exchange of genetic material between viruses, not the movement of viruses or destruction of host DNA.

Zika virus spreads through insect vectors, unlike Hepatitis B, HIV, or Measles which spread differently.

Viroids lack a protein coat, unlike viruses; they do not have DNA and typically infect plants, not animals.

Influenza spreads more effectively in cold weather, leading to seasonal outbreaks, not because it only affects birds or mutates slowly.

Superbugs are resistant bacteria; viruses can contribute by transferring resistance genes between bacteria.

Oncoviruses are known for their ability to induce cancer, not for causing immune suppression or allergic reactions.

Vaccines prevent viral infections by stimulating an immune response; they do not cure infections or enhance replication.

Influenza is commonly associated with antigenic shift, unlike HIV, Ebola, or Measles.

Viral latency refers to a dormant state within host cells, not active replication or immediate symptom onset.

The main challenge in treating retroviral infections is their integration into the host genome, making them difficult to target.

Viral vectors deliver therapeutic genes for gene therapy; they do not kill cells or enhance replication.

RNA viruses are known for their high mutation rate, not stable genetic material or lack of replication.

Antigenic shift results from combining different viral strains, unlike drift which involves gradual changes.

Plant viruses are primarily transmitted by insect vectors, unlike viruses spread by airborne droplets or water.

A common misconception is that antibiotics can cure viral infections; they are only effective against bacteria.

Hemagglutinin facilitates entry into host cells, not inhibiting immune response or providing nutrients.

HIV is known for its rapid mutation rate, complicating vaccine development; this is not the case for Herpes or Hepatitis A.

Viruses are often released from host cells via budding; transcription and translation are steps in protein synthesis.

Phage therapies use viruses to target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, not to infect human cells or deliver vaccines.

Viral recombination can create new virus strains, potentially altering virulence or immune evasion.

Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that converts RNA into DNA, crucial for retroviruses like HIV.

HIV's integration into the host genome and high mutation rate make vaccine development challenging.

Symptoms in viral infections are mainly caused by the immune response and cell damage, not direct virus attack or replication outside cells.

The viral capsid protects the viral genome; it does not replicate DNA or produce enzymes.

Viral load refers to the quantity of virus in a patient's body, not latency or shedding.

Viral hemagglutinin binds to host cell receptors, facilitating entry; it does not digest cells or degrade proteins.

All viruses contain genetic material; they lack metabolic activity and cellular structure.

Vaccines help achieve herd immunity by reducing virus transmission, not by curing diseases or increasing mutation.

Influenza is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, unlike HIV, Hepatitis B, or Zika virus.

RNA viruses mutate more rapidly due to the lack of proofreading during replication, not because of larger genomes.

Viral recombination can lead to the creation of new viral strains, potentially affecting diversity and host immunity.

Rabies is primarily transmitted through saliva from infected animals, unlike insect bites or contaminated water.

The main challenge in combating emerging viruses is their rapid mutation, not a lack of host cells or stable genetic material.

Viral vector vaccines are designed to stimulate an immune response, not to kill viruses or deliver viral RNA directly.