Textbook Question
Some antibiotics activate phage genes. MRSA releasing Panton-Valentine leukocidin is a toxin that can cause a life-threatening disease. Why can such a disease develop following antibiotic treatment?
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Ch. 13 - Viruses, Viroids, and Prions
Chapter 10, Problem 13.7a
Which of the following statements is false?
a. Viruses contain DNA or RNA.
b. The nucleic acid of a virus is surrounded by a protein coat.
c. Viruses multiply inside living cells using viral mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes.
d. Viruses cause the synthesis of specialized infectious elements.
e. Viruses multiply inside living cells.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the key characteristics of viruses, such as their structure and replication process.
Recall that viruses contain either DNA or RNA, but not both, and are surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid.
Understand that viruses rely on the host cell's machinery to replicate, as they lack the necessary components like ribosomes and tRNA.
Consider that viruses do not use their own mRNA, tRNA, or ribosomes for multiplication; instead, they hijack the host cell's machinery.
Review each statement and determine which one incorrectly describes the nature of viruses based on the above understanding.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Structure of Viruses
Viruses are composed of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, encased in a protein coat known as a capsid. This structure is essential for their function, as it protects the viral genome and aids in the infection of host cells. Understanding this basic structure helps in identifying the characteristics and behaviors of different viruses.
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04:47
General Structure of Viruses
Viral Replication
Viruses cannot replicate independently; they must infect a host cell to reproduce. Once inside, they hijack the host's cellular machinery, including mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes, to synthesize new viral components. This process is crucial for understanding how viruses propagate and the implications for infection and disease.
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05:12Persistent Viral Infections
Viral Pathogenesis
Viral pathogenesis refers to the mechanisms by which viruses cause disease in their hosts. This includes the synthesis of viral proteins and the potential production of infectious particles. Understanding these processes is vital for recognizing how viruses can lead to various health issues and for developing effective treatments and vaccines.
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02:35Intro to Bacterial Pathogenesis
Related Practice
Textbook Question
The ability of a virus to infect an organism is regulated by
a. the host species.
b. the type of cells.
c. the availability of an attachment site.
d. cell factors necessary for viral replication.
e. all of the above
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Textbook Question
Recall from Chapter 1 that Koch's postulates are used to determine the etiology of a
disease. Why is it difficult to determine the etiology of
a. a viral infection, such as influenza?
b. cancer?
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Textbook Question
Persistent viral infections such as (a) ________ might be caused by (b) ________ that are (c) ________.
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Textbook Question
Place the following in the order in which they are found in a host cell: (1) capsid proteins;
(2) infective phage particles; (3) phage nucleic acid.
a. 1, 2, 3
b. 3, 2, 1
c. 2, 1,3
d. 3, 1, 2
e. 1, 3, 2
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Textbook Question
Plant viruses can’t penetrate intact plant cells because (a) ________; therefore, they enter cells by (b) ________. Plant viruses can be cultured in (c) ________.
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