A Virus Is Specific to a Particular Type of Host

question 19

Multiple Choice

A virus is specific to a particular type of host cell because

• A) only certain hosts enter the environment inhabited by the virus.
• B) not every virus contains metabolic machinery which can replace that of the host cell.
• C) a glycoprotein spike or a portion of the capsid adheres to a receptor on the surface of a compatible host cell.
• D) a host cell must be malfunctioning, or a virus cannot infect it.
• E) the genome of the virus must be similar to that of its potential host.

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Definitions:

Total Costs

The aggregate of all financial outlays involved in the creation of goods or services, covering both stable and changeable costs.

Public Good

A commodity or service that is provided without profit to all members of a society, either by the government or a private individual or organization.

Free-Rider Problem

The inability of potential providers of an economically desirable good or service to obtain payment from those who benefit, because of nonexcludability.

Highly Profitable

Describing a business or activity that generates a significantly higher amount of earnings compared to its costs.