Viral Replication and Genetics Quiz

RNA polymerase catalyzes the formation of RNA strands using DNA as a template.

Integration is not a step in viral replication; it involves the insertion of viral DNA into the host genome, typical in retroviruses.

Triple-stranded RNA is not a known type of viral genome; viruses typically have single or double-stranded RNA/DNA.

The viral capsid serves as a protective shell for the viral genome against degradation and environmental factors.

In the lytic cycle, the infected cell is lysed, leading to the release of viral particles and often cell death.

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, including viral proteins, during viral replication.

RNA viruses typically do not use reverse transcriptase; instead, they use RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication.

Reverse transcriptase converts viral RNA into DNA, facilitating integration into the host genome.

Phagocytosis is a process by which cells engulf particles, not typically utilized by viruses for entry.

Helicase is an enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix, enabling replication and transcription processes.

Viroids are small infectious agents composed solely of short, circular RNA molecules, lacking a protein coat.

Protease cleaves long viral polyproteins into individual functional proteins, necessary for viral assembly and maturation.

Positive-sense RNA viruses have genomes that can be directly translated into proteins, while negative-sense RNA viruses require transcription into mRNA first.

A provirus is a dormant viral genome integrated into the host cell genome, capable of reactivation.

5' cap and poly-A tail protect mRNA from enzymatic degradation, aiding in stability and translation.

Retroviruses use reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which can integrate into the host genome.

The envelope, typically derived from host cell membranes, aids in viral attachment and entry into host cells.

Mutation of viral surface proteins helps viruses evade immune recognition, facilitating survival and persistence.

A viroplasm is a specialized region in the host cell cytoplasm where viral components assemble and replication occurs.