MICROBIOLOGY MODULE 6 EXAM SCRIPT
2026 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ Describe the two basic components of a virus. Answer: 1. genomic
material comprised of either DNA or RNA
2. a capsid: membrane-like protective structure that contains the
genetic material
◉ The envelope surrounds the _________ of some viruses. Answer:
capsid
◉ True or False. You would expect to see a viral envelope on a virus
infecting a bacterial cell. Answer: False. The overwhelming majority
of animal viruses are enveloped whereas the majority of plant or
bacteria-infecting viruses are not.
◉ Rank the following viruses based on their size from largest to
smallest: Orthomyxovirus
Poliovirus
Variolavirus Answer: Variolavirus (~200nm) > Orthomyxovirus
(100-150nm) > Poliovirus (~30nm)
, ◉ True or False: Viral replication occurs after it attaches and enters
the host cell. Answer: True. The viral genome is never replicated
before attachment and entry.
◉ Place the following viral life cycle steps in order beginning with
viral attachment and provide a description of each step.
(AEURRN) Answer: 1. Attachment: viral receptors bind to the new
cell surface
2. Entry: virus combines with host membrane and enters the cell
3. Uncoating: viral capsid disassembles
4. Replication: viral genome makes copies of itself
5. Release: new virus particles are produced and leave the cell
6. New Infection
◉ Attachment Answer: viral receptors bind to the new cell surface
◉ Uncoating Answer: viral capsid dissassembles
◉ Release Answer: new virus particles are produced and leave the
cell
2026 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ Describe the two basic components of a virus. Answer: 1. genomic
material comprised of either DNA or RNA
2. a capsid: membrane-like protective structure that contains the
genetic material
◉ The envelope surrounds the _________ of some viruses. Answer:
capsid
◉ True or False. You would expect to see a viral envelope on a virus
infecting a bacterial cell. Answer: False. The overwhelming majority
of animal viruses are enveloped whereas the majority of plant or
bacteria-infecting viruses are not.
◉ Rank the following viruses based on their size from largest to
smallest: Orthomyxovirus
Poliovirus
Variolavirus Answer: Variolavirus (~200nm) > Orthomyxovirus
(100-150nm) > Poliovirus (~30nm)
, ◉ True or False: Viral replication occurs after it attaches and enters
the host cell. Answer: True. The viral genome is never replicated
before attachment and entry.
◉ Place the following viral life cycle steps in order beginning with
viral attachment and provide a description of each step.
(AEURRN) Answer: 1. Attachment: viral receptors bind to the new
cell surface
2. Entry: virus combines with host membrane and enters the cell
3. Uncoating: viral capsid disassembles
4. Replication: viral genome makes copies of itself
5. Release: new virus particles are produced and leave the cell
6. New Infection
◉ Attachment Answer: viral receptors bind to the new cell surface
◉ Uncoating Answer: viral capsid dissassembles
◉ Release Answer: new virus particles are produced and leave the
cell
