A scientist identifies a strand of RNA that can be directly used to code for important viral proteins during viral replication. What have they found?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: (+RNA). This indicates that the scientist found a positive-sense RNA strand that can be directly translated by host cell machinery to produce viral proteins. Positive-sense RNA can act as messenger RNA, allowing immediate protein synthesis during viral replication. Choice A (RNA major) and D (RNA minor) are not standard terms used to describe RNA strands in virology. Choice B (-RNA) indicates a negative-sense RNA strand, which requires transcription to form a complementary positive-sense strand before protein synthesis. Thus, the identification of a strand of RNA that directly codes for viral proteins aligns with the characteristics of a positive-sense RNA strand.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: (+RNA). This indicates that the scientist found a positive-sense RNA strand that can be directly translated by host cell machinery to produce viral proteins. Positive-sense RNA can act as messenger RNA, allowing immediate protein synthesis during viral replication. Choice A (RNA major) and D (RNA minor) are not standard terms used to describe RNA strands in virology. Choice B (-RNA) indicates a negative-sense RNA strand, which requires transcription to form a complementary positive-sense strand before protein synthesis. Thus, the identification of a strand of RNA that directly codes for viral proteins aligns with the characteristics of a positive-sense RNA strand.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Rotaviruses are not a major cause of meningitis; they primarily cause gastroenteritis. This is because Rotaviruses infect the gastrointestinal tract, not the central nervous system. Choice A is incorrect because there is no specific antiviral therapy for Rotaviruses. Choice B is correct as Rotaviruses are indeed widespread globally. Choice D is correct as Rotaviruses are shed in large amounts in feces, contributing to their ability to spread easily.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are important in pathogenesis and immune response. This feature is unique to Gram-negative bacteria, distinguishing them from Gram-positive bacteria (choice A). Teichoic acids (choice C) are found in the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, not Gram-negative. The statement in choice D, absence of a cell wall, is incorrect as all bacteria have a cell wall, although the composition may vary between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Adenoviruses are known to have icosahedral capsids, not helical. Step 2: Helical capsids are typically found in viruses like tobacco mosaic virus. Step 3: Therefore, the statement that adenoviruses have helical capsids is FALSE. Summary: A is incorrect as adenoviruses do not have helical capsids. C is incorrect as there is no situation where adenoviruses have helical capsids. D is incorrect as there is a clear correct answer, which is B.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, All of the above. Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin causing botulism, Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea, and certain strains of Escherichia coli produce toxins causing gastrointestinal illness. Each bacterium has specific exotoxins that can result in severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, all three choices are correct in producing exotoxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: cytomegalovirus. CMV is the most common virus transmitted during pregnancy, leading to potential serious complications for the fetus. It can cause birth defects, hearing loss, and developmental delays. CMV is commonly spread through bodily fluids. HIV (B) can also be transmitted during pregnancy but is less common. Herpes simplex virus (C) can be transmitted but typically results in localized infection. Epstein-Barr virus (D) is not commonly transmitted during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur as a complication following a group A streptococcal infection. This is known as a post-streptococcal complication. It typically affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Endocarditis (choice A) is also a complication of streptococcal infections, but it is an infection of the heart valves, not an inflammatory disease like rheumatic fever. Nephritis (choice C) is inflammation of the kidneys and is not directly related to streptococcal infections. Cytomegalovirus (choice D) is a different viral infection and is not associated with streptococcal infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Co-trimoxazole. This drug combination is the first-line treatment for toxoplasmosis due to its efficacy against Toxoplasma gondii. Co-trimoxazole consists of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, which work synergistically to inhibit bacterial and protozoal folate synthesis, effectively treating toxoplasmosis. B: Itraconazole is an antifungal medication and not effective against toxoplasmosis. C: Mebendazole is an anthelmintic drug used for treating parasitic worm infections, not toxoplasmosis. D: Azidothimidine, also known as AZT, is used for treating HIV, not toxoplasmosis.