Structure of viruses MDCAT Quiz: The viruses have a simple but highly specialized structure for their ability to infect the host cells. The two major components of viruses are genetic material and a protein coat, on the other hand called capsid. Genetic material may either be DNA or RNA; however, it carries information required to replicate the virus in the host cell. Capsid or protein coat, on the other hand, protects the genetic material and is composed of several protein subunits known as capsomers. In a few viruses, besides this basic structure, there is an outer lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane; it is called an envelope. The envelope contains spike proteins, which play a very important role in the recognition of the virus and entry into the host cells. The viral structure, therefore, determines the way in which the viruses interact with the host cells and is very vital in viral classification. The knowledge of viral structure is important to MDCAT students in answering questions about viral replication, transmission, and treatment.
Test Your Knowledge with an MDCAT Quiz
An MDCAT Quiz on the Structure of Viruses will help to strengthen your understanding of viral components, including the capsid, genetic material (DNA or RNA), and envelope. The types of viruses according to their structural characteristics are icosahedral, helical, and complex viruses. Regular practice through these quizzes enables one to understand how viral structure interlinks with its ability to infect and replicate within a host cell, thus preparing for the MDCAT exam.
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Free Flashcards for Quick Revision
Free Flashcards on the Structure of Viruses provide quick summaries of the main components of viruses, including the capsid, genetic material, and envelope. These flashcards are a great tool for quickly reviewing key features of viral structure and understanding how these components contribute to the virus’s function and infection process. They will help you retain important information for the MDCAT exam.
Mastering the Structure of Viruses is important to understand their function, classification, and role in diseases. Use our quizzes and flashcards to strengthen your knowledge and improve your exam readiness!
What is the genetic material of a virus composed of?
DNA or RNA
What is the protein coat surrounding a virus called?
Capsid
What structural component is found in some viruses but not all?
Lipid envelope
What is the function of the capsid in a virus?
Protects genetic material
What symmetry is exhibited by icosahedral viruses?
Icosahedral
What is the shape of the tobacco mosaic virus?
Helical
What term describes the complete, infective form of a virus?
Virion
What is the function of the viral envelope?
Aids in host entry
Which type of virus lacks an envelope?
Naked virus
What is the primary composition of a viral envelope?
Lipids and proteins
What type of genome is found in retroviruses?
RNA
What is the shape of the rabies virus?
Bullet-shaped
What is the name of the proteins on the surface of a virus used for host attachment?
Spikes
What structural component do bacteriophages use to inject DNA into the host cell?
Tail
What is the main structural difference between enveloped and naked viruses?
Presence of lipid envelope
What is the symmetry of a helical virus?
Helical
What is the genome of double-stranded RNA viruses composed of?
Double-stranded RNA
Which structural feature of a virus determines host specificity?
Surface proteins
What type of symmetry does a bacteriophage exhibit?
Complex
Which viruses are characterized by a spherical shape?
Enveloped viruses
What is the genome of single-stranded DNA viruses?
Single-stranded DNA
What is the primary role of the genetic material in a virus?
Codes for viral proteins
What are the subunits of a viral capsid called?
Capsomeres
What type of virus genome is most common in plant viruses?
Single-stranded RNA
What structure is unique to bacteriophages?
Tail fibers
What is the shape of adenovirus capsids?
Icosahedral
What is the genetic material of a single-stranded RNA virus like HIV?
Single-stranded RNA
Which structural feature enables the influenza virus to change rapidly?
Mutations in surface proteins
What is the symmetry of the capsid in the herpes virus?
Icosahedral
What are the two main components of a virion?
Capsid and genome
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