Portage Learning BIOD 171 Module 6
Exam 2026 Questions and Answers
True or False: viruses can be classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic - Correct
answer-False. Viruses are neither prokaryotic or eukaryotic
What is an obligate intracellular parasite? - Correct answer-viruses cannot replicate
unless inside 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? - Correct answer-a membrane-like protective structure that
contains genetic material similar to nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
What is the viral envelope, and what does the presence (or absence) of it tell you
about the type of virus? - Correct answer-The 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 plant or bacteria-infecting viruses are not.
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, 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-The viral envelope contains the
necessary proteins required for interaction with host cells. As the envelope is
derived from the host cell membrane, this camouflages the virus and lowers the
likelihood of immune detection by making it appear similar to the normal
biological host cell.
What must happen before viral replication of its genome can occur? - Correct
answer-For all viruses, the genome is replicated following attachment and entry,
never before.
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 cell3. Uncoating: (where applicable)
the viral capsid disassembles4. Replication: The viral genome provides the
'blueprint' to make copies of itself5. Exit: New viruses are produced and leave the
cell6. New infection: Newly produced viruses leave the host cell and go on to
infect new cells. The process outlined above now restarts.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
Exam 2026 Questions and Answers
True or False: viruses can be classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic - Correct
answer-False. Viruses are neither prokaryotic or eukaryotic
What is an obligate intracellular parasite? - Correct answer-viruses cannot replicate
unless inside 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? - Correct answer-a membrane-like protective structure that
contains genetic material similar to nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
What is the viral envelope, and what does the presence (or absence) of it tell you
about the type of virus? - Correct answer-The 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 plant or bacteria-infecting viruses are not.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, 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-The viral envelope contains the
necessary proteins required for interaction with host cells. As the envelope is
derived from the host cell membrane, this camouflages the virus and lowers the
likelihood of immune detection by making it appear similar to the normal
biological host cell.
What must happen before viral replication of its genome can occur? - Correct
answer-For all viruses, the genome is replicated following attachment and entry,
never before.
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 cell3. Uncoating: (where applicable)
the viral capsid disassembles4. Replication: The viral genome provides the
'blueprint' to make copies of itself5. Exit: New viruses are produced and leave the
cell6. New infection: Newly produced viruses leave the host cell and go on to
infect new cells. The process outlined above now restarts.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
