MICROBIO MODULE 6 REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025

Can viruses be classified as either prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms? - ANSWERNo. Viruses are neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic. What is an obligate intercellular parasite? - ANSWERAs an obligate intercellular parasite, viruses cannot (obligate) replicate unless inside (intracellular) a living host cell. As a parasite, a virus depends on its living host to provide the framework (proteins, etc) to replicate—to make additional copies of itself What is a viral capsid? - ANSWERThe capsid is a membrane-like protective structure that contains the genetic material, similar to the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell. What is a bacteriophage? - ANSWERA bacteriophage is simply a virus (phage) that infects bacteria. What structural aspects make bacteriophages distinct from viruses that infect either animals or plants? - ANSWERBacteriophages possess an icosahedral capsid head group and a helical tail. Attached to the tail are fibrous extensions or 'legs' that aid in binding host cells. Notably, this particular structural arrangement has not been observed among viruses that infect either animals or plants. What disease state emerges as a viral reactivation of a prior infection with the varicella virus? - ANSWERShingles, also known as Herpes zoster, is due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Because VZV lies dormant in inactive nerve cells, its reactivation typically results in painful blisters. However, unlike the initial chickenpox rash, the blisters are localized and limited to small areas. What is the viral envelope and does the presence (or absence) of it tell you about the type of virus? - ANSWERThe envelope surrounds the viral capsid, is derived from the host cell membrane and serves as an additional barrier to the external environment. The overwhelming majority of animal viruses are enveloped whereas the majority of