virus
Viruses depend on cellular machinery. This topic is part of Microbiology within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 15 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
virus trivia questions
A virus must use what to reproduce?
Answer: Host cell
Bonus fact: Viruses depend on cellular machinery.
What protein shell surrounds the genetic material of a virus?
Answer: Capsid
Bonus fact: Some viruses also have a lipid envelope.
Can a virus contain either DNA or RNA as its genetic material?
Answer: Yes
Bonus fact: Different virus families use different genome types.
A virus contains genetic material surrounded by what protein shell?
Answer: Capsid
Bonus fact: The capsid protects viral DNA or RNA.
A computer virus is what type of software?
Answer: Malicious software
Bonus fact: Viruses are a type of malware.
Why is it called a virus?
Answer: It can replicate by infecting other files or systems
Bonus fact: The name mirrors biological self-replication.
What is one common way to reduce computer-virus risk?
Answer: Keep security software and systems updated
Bonus fact: Updates patch vulnerabilities and security tools detect known threats.
What type of virus did the original Salk vaccine use?
Answer: Inactivated poliovirus
Bonus fact: The injected vaccine used killed virus.
A viral vector vaccine uses a modified virus to deliver what?
Answer: Genetic instructions for an antigen
Bonus fact: The vector carries genetic material into cells.
Why is the vector virus modified?
Answer: So it can safely deliver genetic material without causing its usual disease
Bonus fact: Vectors are engineered for safety and immune response.
Which type of virus has commonly been used as a vaccine vector?
Answer: Adenovirus
Bonus fact: Several vaccines use modified adenoviruses.
Antigenic drift is especially important in which virus?
Answer: Influenza
Bonus fact: It is a major reason flu vaccines are updated.