Virology: 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

Sample item

What is required for viral replication?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Living host cell

Viruses depend on host-cell machinery for genome replication and protein synthesis, so they cannot multiply independently on ordinary culture media.

Option by option

  • A. Antibiotic medium

    Antibiotic medium does not allow virus replication.

  • B. Sunlight alone

    Sunlight does not provide cellular replication machinery.

  • C. Plain nutrient agar

    Nutrient agar supports many bacteria, not viruses alone.

  • D. Living host cell (correct)

    Correct: viruses require living host cells to replicate.

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.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, Living host cell. Viruses depend on host-cell machinery for genome replication and protein synthesis, so they cannot multiply independently on ordinary culture media.

Why is "Antibiotic medium" not the answer?

Antibiotic medium does not allow virus replication.

Why is "Sunlight alone" not the answer?

Sunlight does not provide cellular replication machinery.

Why is "Plain nutrient agar" not the answer?

Nutrient agar supports many bacteria, not viruses alone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: viruses require living host cells to replicate.

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?

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.