AP-Micro Virology: Structure, Replication, and Diagnosis

Question 1

The Baltimore classification system categorizes viruses primarily based on:

Accepted Answer

Genome type and the strategy used to produce mRNA

Answer

The Baltimore system divides viruses into 7 classes based on their nucleic acid type (DNA/RNA, ss/ds, +/−) and how they generate mRNA for protein synthesis.

Question 2

Which of the following viruses is NON-enveloped (naked), making it more resistant to desiccation and detergents?

Accepted Answer

Adenovirus

Answer

Adenovirus is a non-enveloped icosahedral virus; lacking a lipid envelope, it is resistant to drying, detergents, and many disinfectants.

Question 3

The repeating protein subunits that assemble to form the viral capsid are called:

Accepted Answer

Capsomeres

Answer

Capsomeres are the individual protein building blocks that polymerize to form the complete viral capsid surrounding the nucleic acid.

Question 4

Spike glycoproteins projecting from an enveloped virus surface are called:

Accepted Answer

Peplomers

Answer

Peplomers are the glycoprotein spikes on enveloped viruses (e.g., influenza HA and NA) that mediate receptor binding and immune recognition.

Question 5

Influenza hemagglutinin (HA) mediates which critical step in viral infection?

Accepted Answer

Binding to sialic acid receptors on host respiratory cells

Answer

Influenza HA binds sialic acid residues on host respiratory epithelial cells to initiate attachment and membrane fusion for viral entry.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

AP-Micro Virology: Structure, Replication, and Diagnosis