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 pathogen type causes COVID-19?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Coronavirus

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus with an RNA genome that primarily affects respiratory and systemic tissues.

Option by option

  • A. Coronavirus (correct)

    Correct: SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus.

  • B. Bacterium

    Bacteria are cellular organisms distinct from viruses.

  • C. Helminth

    Helminths are parasitic worms.

  • D. Protozoan

    Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic parasites.

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 A, Coronavirus. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus with an RNA genome that primarily affects respiratory and systemic tissues.

Why is "Bacterium" not the answer?

Bacteria are cellular organisms distinct from viruses.

Why is "Helminth" not the answer?

Helminths are parasitic worms.

Why is "Protozoan" not the answer?

Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic parasites.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus.

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.