VCDH Microbiology Practice Test

Which statement best describes a viral infection?

Viruses replicate independently in the cytoplasm Viruses require host cell machinery to replicate and can have RNA or DNA genomes Viruses have cellular organelles Viruses are always double-stranded DNA

Correct Answer:

Viruses require host cell machinery to replicate and can have RNA or DNA genomes

Explanation:

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they must use the host cell’s machinery to replicate. They can carry either RNA or DNA genomes, and these genomes can be single- or double-stranded. Because they lack cellular organelles and cannot replicate on their own, the description that they require host cell machinery and have RNA or DNA genomes best captures what a viral infection is. The other statements are not accurate: some viruses do not replicate independently, many viruses do not have DNA genomes, and viruses lack cellular organelles.

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