Portage Learning BIOD 171 Module 6
Exam 2026 Questions and Answers
What is a viral capsid? - Correct answer-The capsid is a membrane-like protective
structure that contains the genetic material, similar to the nucleus of a eukaryotic
cell.
Can viruses be classified as either prokaryotic or eukaryotic? - Correct answer-No.
Viruses are neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic.
What is the viral envelope, and what does the presence (or absence) of it tell you
about the type of virus? - Correct answer-The viral envelope surrounds the viral
capsid and serves as an additional barrier to the external environment. The majority
of animal viruses are enveloped where as plant or bacteria infecting viruses are not.
What type of microscope would be used to study the shape of a viral capsid? -
Correct answer-Due to its size (~30-150 nm) most viral capsids must be visualized
via electron microscopy.
How does the viral envelope both aid in cell entry as well as hide it from being
detected by the immune system? - Correct answer-It contains the proteins required
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, for interaction with host cells. As the envelope is derived from the host cell, this
camouflages the virus and makes it appear similar to the normal host cell.
What must happen before viral replication of its genome can occur? - Correct
answer-The genome is replicated following attachment and entry
What is an obligate intracellular parasite? - Correct answer-Viruses cannot
replicate unless inside a living host cell. A virus depends on its living host to
provide the framework to replicate.
Describe the basic steps of the viral life cycle. - Correct answer-1. Attachment:
Viral receptors bind to host proteins on the surface of the cell.
2. Entry: The virus fuses with the host membrane and enters the cell
3. Uncoating: (where applicable) the viral capsid disassembles
4. Replication: The viral genome provides the 'blueprint' to make copies of itself
5. Exit: New viruses are produced and leave the cell
6. New infection: Newly produced viruses leave the host cell and go on to infect
new cells. The process outlined above now restarts.
What is a bacteriophage? - Correct answer-A virus that infects bacteria
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Exam 2026 Questions and Answers
What is a viral capsid? - Correct answer-The capsid is a membrane-like protective
structure that contains the genetic material, similar to the nucleus of a eukaryotic
cell.
Can viruses be classified as either prokaryotic or eukaryotic? - Correct answer-No.
Viruses are neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic.
What is the viral envelope, and what does the presence (or absence) of it tell you
about the type of virus? - Correct answer-The viral envelope surrounds the viral
capsid and serves as an additional barrier to the external environment. The majority
of animal viruses are enveloped where as plant or bacteria infecting viruses are not.
What type of microscope would be used to study the shape of a viral capsid? -
Correct answer-Due to its size (~30-150 nm) most viral capsids must be visualized
via electron microscopy.
How does the viral envelope both aid in cell entry as well as hide it from being
detected by the immune system? - Correct answer-It contains the proteins required
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, for interaction with host cells. As the envelope is derived from the host cell, this
camouflages the virus and makes it appear similar to the normal host cell.
What must happen before viral replication of its genome can occur? - Correct
answer-The genome is replicated following attachment and entry
What is an obligate intracellular parasite? - Correct answer-Viruses cannot
replicate unless inside a living host cell. A virus depends on its living host to
provide the framework to replicate.
Describe the basic steps of the viral life cycle. - Correct answer-1. Attachment:
Viral receptors bind to host proteins on the surface of the cell.
2. Entry: The virus fuses with the host membrane and enters the cell
3. Uncoating: (where applicable) the viral capsid disassembles
4. Replication: The viral genome provides the 'blueprint' to make copies of itself
5. Exit: New viruses are produced and leave the cell
6. New infection: Newly produced viruses leave the host cell and go on to infect
new cells. The process outlined above now restarts.
What is a bacteriophage? - Correct answer-A virus that infects bacteria
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