Portage Microbiology Exam 6 Actual Questions
With Correct Answers 2026
True or False: Because the genome is contained within an enclosed space,
(much like the nucleus of a cell) viruses are classified as eukaryotic-
CORRECT ANSWER -False. Viruses are neither eukaryotic nor prokaryotic
Describe the two basic components of a virus (short answer)- CORRECT
ANSWER -A virus has 1. genomic material comprised of either DNA or RNA
and 2. a capsid, a membrane-like protective structure that contains the
genetic material, similar to the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell
The _____ surrounds the capsid of some viruses- CORRECT ANSWER -
Envelope
The envelope surrounds the _____ of some viruses- CORRECT ANSWER -
Capsid
True or False: You would expect to see a viral envelope on a virus infecting a
plant cell- CORRECT ANSWER -False. The overwhelming majority of animal
viruses are enveloped whereas the majority of plant or bacteria-infecting
viruses are not
True or False: You would expect to see a viral envelope on a virus infecting a
bacterial cell- CORRECT ANSWER -False: Not all the viruses have envelopes
, Rank the following viruses based on their size from largest to smallest:
orthomyxovirus, poliovirus, variolavirus- CORRECT ANSWER -
Variolavirus>Orthomyxovirus>Poliovirus
Rank the following viruses based on their size from largest to
smallest:Paramyxovirus, Poliovirus, Smallpox virus- CORRECT ANSWER -
Smallpox>Paramyxovirus>Poliovirus
True or False: Viral replication occurs after it attaches and enters the host
cell- CORRECT ANSWER -True. The viral genome is never replicated before
attachment and entry
True or False: Highly infectious viruses undergo genome replication prior to
viral attachment and entry.- CORRECT ANSWER -False. The viral genome is
never replicated before attachment and entry regardless of its level of
infectivity.
Place the following viral life cycle steps in order beginning with viral
attachment and provide a description of each step (short answer)-
CORRECT ANSWER -Uncoating: the viral capsid disassembles
Release: New virus particles are produced and leave the cell
Replication: the viral genome is the 'blueprint' to make copies of itself
Attachment: viral receptors bind to host proteins on the surface of the cell
Entry: the virus fuses with the host membrane and enters the cell
With Correct Answers 2026
True or False: Because the genome is contained within an enclosed space,
(much like the nucleus of a cell) viruses are classified as eukaryotic-
CORRECT ANSWER -False. Viruses are neither eukaryotic nor prokaryotic
Describe the two basic components of a virus (short answer)- CORRECT
ANSWER -A virus has 1. genomic material comprised of either DNA or RNA
and 2. a capsid, a membrane-like protective structure that contains the
genetic material, similar to the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell
The _____ surrounds the capsid of some viruses- CORRECT ANSWER -
Envelope
The envelope surrounds the _____ of some viruses- CORRECT ANSWER -
Capsid
True or False: You would expect to see a viral envelope on a virus infecting a
plant cell- CORRECT ANSWER -False. The overwhelming majority of animal
viruses are enveloped whereas the majority of plant or bacteria-infecting
viruses are not
True or False: You would expect to see a viral envelope on a virus infecting a
bacterial cell- CORRECT ANSWER -False: Not all the viruses have envelopes
, Rank the following viruses based on their size from largest to smallest:
orthomyxovirus, poliovirus, variolavirus- CORRECT ANSWER -
Variolavirus>Orthomyxovirus>Poliovirus
Rank the following viruses based on their size from largest to
smallest:Paramyxovirus, Poliovirus, Smallpox virus- CORRECT ANSWER -
Smallpox>Paramyxovirus>Poliovirus
True or False: Viral replication occurs after it attaches and enters the host
cell- CORRECT ANSWER -True. The viral genome is never replicated before
attachment and entry
True or False: Highly infectious viruses undergo genome replication prior to
viral attachment and entry.- CORRECT ANSWER -False. The viral genome is
never replicated before attachment and entry regardless of its level of
infectivity.
Place the following viral life cycle steps in order beginning with viral
attachment and provide a description of each step (short answer)-
CORRECT ANSWER -Uncoating: the viral capsid disassembles
Release: New virus particles are produced and leave the cell
Replication: the viral genome is the 'blueprint' to make copies of itself
Attachment: viral receptors bind to host proteins on the surface of the cell
Entry: the virus fuses with the host membrane and enters the cell
