Multiple Choice
Which viral reproductive cycle involves the integration of viral DNA into the host genome, resulting in the formation of a prophage?
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1. Introduction to Microbiology
Acellular Infectious Agents: Viruses, Viroids & Prions
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Prions are __________ that are thought to cause disease by __________.
A
bacterial toxins; inhibiting protein synthesis
B
infectious RNA molecules; integrating into host genomes
C
infectious proteins; inducing abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins
D
viral particles; lysing host cells
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand what prions are. Prions are unique infectious agents composed solely of protein, without any nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). This distinguishes them from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Step 2: Recognize the mechanism by which prions cause disease. Unlike bacteria or viruses that replicate using genetic material, prions cause disease by inducing a change in the structure of normal proteins in the host.
Step 3: Specifically, prions cause normal cellular proteins to misfold into an abnormal shape. This misfolding disrupts normal cellular function and leads to disease.
Step 4: Review the options given: bacterial toxins inhibit protein synthesis, infectious RNA molecules integrate into host genomes, viral particles lyse host cells, and infectious proteins induce abnormal folding of normal proteins.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of prions is 'infectious proteins' that cause disease by 'inducing abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins.'
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