Topic 5 - Lifecycle Of A Virus

Question 1

What is required for viruses to reproduce?

Answer 1

Host cells

Viruses cannot reproduce independently; they need a host cell’s machinery.

Question 2

What is the first step in the lytic pathway of a virus?

Answer 2

Using host cell machinery, the virus replicates its DNA

This is the initial step where the virus hijacks the host’s cellular processes.

Question 3

What happens after the virus DNA is replicated in the lytic pathway?

Answer 3

New virus particles are assembled

Assembly occurs using the components produced during the replication phase.

Question 4

What is the process called when the host cell bursts to release new virus particles?

Answer 4

Lysis

Lysis is the final step in the lytic cycle, resulting in cell death.

Question 5

What is the sequence of events in the lysogenic pathway?

Answer 5

1. Virus inserts DNA into host DNA
2. Host cell replicates
3. Lytic cycle begins

In the lysogenic pathway, the viral DNA is integrated into the host’s genome.

Question 6

What are restriction enzymes used for in the lysogenic pathway?

Answer 6

To insert viral DNA into host cell DNA

These enzymes facilitate the integration of viral genetic material.

Question 7

What are plasmids in the context of viral infection?

Answer 7

Small circular fragments of DNA

Plasmids can be inserted into the host cell cytoplasm during the lysogenic pathway.

Question 8

True or False: Viruses can replicate without a host cell.

Answer 8

False

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, requiring host cells for replication.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The lytic cycle begins with the assembly of new _______.

Answer 9

viral particles

This assembly occurs after the replication of viral DNA.

Question 10

What occurs during the replication of the host cell in the lysogenic pathway?

Answer 10

The viral DNA is also copied

This results in the propagation of the viral genetic material alongside the host’s DNA.