Viral Biology and Replication Concepts

Why are viruses not classified as living cells?

• They lack genetic material.

• They cannot replicate independently.

• They are too small to be considered cells.

• They do not cause disease.

What two components are universally found in all viruses?

• An outer envelope and enzymes.

• A protein coat and a cell membrane.

• Genetic material and a protein coat.

• Ribosomes and mitochondria.

What is the primary difference in the immediate outcome for a host cell between the lytic and lysogenic viral replication cycles?

• The lytic cycle immediately destroys the host cell, while the lysogenic cycle integrates viral DNA into the host genome without immediate destruction.

• The lysogenic cycle immediately destroys the host cell, while the lytic cycle integrates viral DNA into the host genome without immediate destruction.

• Both cycles immediately destroy the host cell.

• Neither cycle immediately destroys the host cell.

What is a significant challenge in developing effective long-term treatments for viral infections like HIV?

• Viruses are too large to be targeted by medication.

• Viruses can rapidly mutate, rendering treatments ineffective.

• Viruses only infect non-living cells.

• The human immune system is unable to recognize viral infections.