Understanding Viral Replication Processes

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the lytic and lysogenic cycles in viral replication?

• The lytic cycle integrates viral DNA into the host genome, while the lysogenic cycle destroys the host cell immediately.

• The lytic cycle results in the immediate destruction of the host cell, while the lysogenic cycle allows the viral genome to remain dormant within the host cell.

• Both cycles always result in the death of the host cell at the same rate.

• The lysogenic cycle only occurs in bacteria, while the lytic cycle occurs in all organisms.

A bacteriophage infects a bacterial cell and its DNA becomes incorporated into the host genome without immediately destroying the cell. What is the viral DNA called at this stage?

• Retrovirus

• Prophage

• Latency

• Lytic virus

Which process is most directly responsible for the production of new viral particles in a host cell during the lytic cycle?

• Integration of viral DNA into the host genome

• Replication and assembly of viral components followed by cell lysis

• Conversion of RNA to DNA by reverse transcriptase

• Maintenance of viral latency

A retrovirus differs from other viruses in its replication mechanism. Which step is unique to retroviruses?

• Entry into the host cell

• Use of reverse transcriptase to synthesize DNA from RNA

• Immediate lysis of the host cell

• Formation of a prophage

Explain how latency in viral infections can affect the long-term health of an organism. Use evidence from viral replication cycles to support your answer.

• Latency prevents the virus from ever causing symptoms.

• Latency allows the virus to remain hidden in the host, potentially reactivating and causing disease later.

• Latency always leads to immediate cell death.

• Latency only occurs in bacteriophages.

A scientist observes that after infection by a certain virus, the host cell continues to divide normally for several generations before showing any signs of viral activity. Which viral replication process is most likely occurring, and what evidence supports this conclusion?

• Lytic cycle; because the host cell is immediately destroyed.

• Lysogenic cycle; because the viral genome is integrated and remains dormant.

• Retroviral replication; because reverse transcriptase is used.

• Latency; because the virus is actively replicating.

Given a scenario where a virus infects a host cell and its RNA is directly used as a template to make DNA, which type of virus is this and what enzyme is involved?

• Bacteriophage; DNA polymerase

• Retrovirus; reverse transcriptase

• Prophage; RNA polymerase

• Lytic virus; ligase

Compare and contrast the roles of the host cell in the lytic and lysogenic cycles. What is a key difference in how the host cell is affected in each cycle?

• In both cycles, the host cell is immediately destroyed.

• In the lytic cycle, the host cell is destroyed quickly, while in the lysogenic cycle, the host cell survives with integrated viral DNA.

• The host cell is never affected in either cycle.

• The host cell only replicates viral DNA in the lysogenic cycle.

A patient is diagnosed with a viral infection that remains dormant for years before symptoms appear. Which term best describes this phenomenon, and which viral process is most likely involved?

• Lytic cycle; immediate cell lysis

• Lysogenic cycle; viral latency

• Prophage; cell death

• Retrovirus; immediate replication

Which of the following best explains why a bacteriophage is specific to certain bacteria?

• Bacteriophages can infect any type of cell.

• Bacteriophages recognize and bind to specific receptors on the surface of their host bacteria.

• Bacteriophages only infect animal cells.

• Bacteriophages do not require a host cell for replication.