Virology: replication cycle: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Virology: replication cycle

Sample item

In a one-step growth experiment, cells are lysed 2 hours after infection with a virus, and no infectious virions can be recovered, although later samples show a rapid rise. What is the name of this period?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Eclipse phase

After a virus penetrates and uncoats, infectivity disappears while viral components are synthesised, and this interval is the eclipse phase. Infectious progeny appear only after assembly, and the latent period includes the eclipse together with the maturation time. Lag and stationary phases refer to bacterial growth curves.

Option by option

  • A. Latent period of lysogeny

    Lysogeny involves integration of phage DNA, not this growth curve.

  • B. Lag phase of bacterial growth

    Lag phase describes bacterial adaptation before division.

  • C. Stationary phase

    Stationary phase is a bacterial growth stage with no net increase.

  • D. Eclipse phase (correct)

    Correct. Infectious virus cannot be detected inside cells during the eclipse.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, Eclipse phase. After a virus penetrates and uncoats, infectivity disappears while viral components are synthesised, and this interval is the eclipse phase.

Why is "Latent period of lysogeny" not the answer?

Lysogeny involves integration of phage DNA, not this growth curve.

Why is "Lag phase of bacterial growth" not the answer?

Lag phase describes bacterial adaptation before division.

Why is "Stationary phase" not the answer?

Stationary phase is a bacterial growth stage with no net increase.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: replication cycle in Microbiology. Infectious progeny appear only after assembly, and the latent period includes the eclipse together with the maturation time. Lag and stationary phases refer to bacterial growth curves.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Virology: replication cycle?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.