Viral Structure, Function, and Classification Quiz

Enveloped viruses possess a lipid bilayer envelope derived from host cell membranes.

Bacteriophages infect bacterial cells, unlike animal viruses which infect animal cells.

Viruses are classified based on the type of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) they contain within their virion.

Capsids encase the viral genome, shielding it from external factors.

Viral spikes, typically glycoproteins, facilitate attachment to host cell receptors.

During budding, mature virions are released from host cells, acquiring an envelope in the process.

Helicase unwinds double-stranded DNA, facilitating replication and transcription processes.

HIV belongs to the Retroviridae family, characterized by their ability to reverse transcribe RNA into DNA.

Reverse transcriptase converts viral RNA into DNA, a key step in retroviral replication.

Retroviruses integrate their DNA into the host genome, becoming a permanent part of it.

Viral fusion proteins are often targeted by antiviral drugs to prevent viral entry into host cells.

Viroids are small, infectious RNA molecules lacking a protein coat, causing disease in plants.

Viral tail fibers facilitate the attachment of bacteriophages to bacterial hosts, aiding in genetic material transfer.