Multiple Choice
Why do RNA viruses tend to have unusually high rates of mutation?
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17. Viruses
Viruses
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A microbiologist analyzes chemicals obtained from an enveloped RNA virus that infects monkeys. He finds that the viral envelope contains a protein characteristic of monkey cells. Which of the following is the most likely explanation?
A
The virus forced the monkey cell to make proteins for its envelope.
B
The virus is a prophage.
C
Its presence is a result of the monkey's immunological response.
D
The virus fools its host by mimicking its proteins.
E
The viral envelope forms as the virus leaves the host cell.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of enveloped viruses: Enveloped viruses have a lipid membrane derived from the host cell, which often contains host cell proteins.
Consider how enveloped viruses acquire their envelope: As these viruses exit the host cell, they bud off, taking a portion of the host cell's membrane with them, including any proteins present in that membrane.
Analyze the options given: The virus forcing the monkey cell to make proteins for its envelope is unlikely because the envelope is derived from the host cell's existing membrane. The virus being a prophage is irrelevant as prophages are related to bacterial viruses. The presence of proteins due to the monkey's immunological response is unlikely because the envelope is formed from the host cell membrane, not as a response. Mimicking host proteins is a strategy some viruses use, but in this case, the proteins are directly acquired from the host cell membrane.
Identify the correct explanation: The viral envelope forms as the virus leaves the host cell, incorporating host cell proteins present in the membrane.
Conclude that the presence of monkey cell proteins in the viral envelope is due to the virus acquiring its envelope from the host cell membrane during the budding process.
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