Multiple Choice
During which life cycle is the virus making more copies of itself?
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1. Overview of Cell Biology
Viruses
Multiple Choice
Which viral component is not present in uninfected host cells and is therefore lacking in a cell unless the cell is infected by that virus?
A
Plasma membrane (phospholipid bilayer)
B
Ribosomes
C
Mitochondria
D
Capsid (protein coat)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the components listed and determine whether they are normally found in uninfected host cells. For example, the plasma membrane, ribosomes, and mitochondria are all standard parts of a eukaryotic cell.
Understand the nature of a viral capsid: it is a protein coat that encases the viral genetic material and is unique to viruses, not found in normal host cells.
Recognize that since the capsid is a viral structure, it will only be present inside a host cell if that cell is infected by the virus producing it.
Conclude that among the options, the capsid is the viral component absent in uninfected cells and appears only upon infection.
Summarize that the presence of a capsid inside a cell indicates viral infection, distinguishing it from cellular components like membranes, ribosomes, and mitochondria which are always present.
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