BIOC20 Lecture 1–2 Virology Fundamentals 2026 – 45 Exam Questions and Correct Answers

This document contains 45 structured exam questions and correct answers covering foundational concepts from BIOC20 Lectures 1 and 2 in virology . The material introduces core principles such as obligate intracellular parasitism, virion structure, viral genome types (DNA vs RNA, single-stranded vs double-stranded), zoonotic spread, viral classification criteria, and the Baltimore classification system. It also explains genome polarity (+/− strand), retroviral reverse transcription, and key terminology including capsid, nucleocapsid, encapsidation, and tropism. The study guide provides quantitative applications including plaque assays, PFU calculations, serial dilutions, multiplicity of infection (MOI), hemagglutination assays, and viral titre calculations. It thoroughly outlines the seven stages of the viral replication cycle, discusses viral genetic economy and capsid symmetry, and reinforces coding capacity calculations for viral genomes. The content aligns closely with introductory molecular virology textbooks such as Principles of Virology and foundational sections of Fields Virology, making it ideal for first-exam preparation and conceptual reinforcement. This document is especially relevant for: Biochemistry students Molecular Biology students Microbiology students Life Sciences majors Pre-med students studying virology Students preparing for early-term virology exams Keywords: obligate intracellular parasite, virion structure, viral genome types, ssRNA, dsRNA, ssDNA, dsDNA, retrovirus reverse transcription, reverse transcriptase, zoonotic spread, viral classification criteria, Baltimore classification, plaque assay calculation, PFU per mL, serial dilution, multiplicity of infection MOI, hemagglutination assay, viral replication cycle stages, virus tropism, capsid symmetry, genetic economy, coding capacity calculation