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

Which viral feature allows influenza to change antigenically by reassortment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Segmented RNA genome

Influenza has a segmented RNA genome, allowing reassortment of segments when different strains infect the same host cell.

Option by option

  • A. Segmented RNA genome (correct)

    Correct: segmented genome enables antigenic shift.

  • B. DNA integration into host chromosome

    Host integration is not the influenza mechanism.

  • C. Latent ganglion infection

    Ganglion latency is typical of herpes viruses.

  • D. Reverse transcriptase only

    Reverse transcriptase is used by retroviruses.

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, Segmented RNA genome. Influenza has a segmented RNA genome, allowing reassortment of segments when different strains infect the same host cell.

Why is "DNA integration into host chromosome" not the answer?

Host integration is not the influenza mechanism.

Why is "Latent ganglion infection" not the answer?

Ganglion latency is typical of herpes viruses.

Why is "Reverse transcriptase only" not the answer?

Reverse transcriptase is used by retroviruses.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: segmented genome enables antigenic shift.

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.