Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Virus Appreciation Day?

Virus Appreciation Day is observed on April 7th each year as a way to acknowledge and appreciate the role viruses play in various biological processes.

The term 'virus' was coined by Dutch biologist Martinus Beijerinck in the year 1892. Beijerinck is considered one of the founding fathers of virology.

Cyanobacterium is not a type of virus; it is a group of photosynthetic bacteria. The other options are all types of viruses.

Viruses are typically very small, ranging in size from nanometers to micrometers. They are much smaller than millimeters or centimeters.

The primary mode of viral transmission in humans is airborne. Viruses can spread through tiny droplets present in the air, especially when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks.

The virus responsible for causing AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The outer protein coat of a virus is called the capsid. It provides protection to the viral genetic material and aids in viral attachment to host cells.

Tuberculosis is not a viral disease; it is caused by bacteria. The other options are all viral diseases.

Phages, or bacteriophages, are viruses that infect and kill bacteria, and they are often present in the body's mucus membranes, including those in the mouth, nose, and digestive tract. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms by targeting and eliminating unwanted or harmful bacteria.

The virus responsible for causing chickenpox is the varicella-zoster virus. It belongs to the herpesvirus family.

The protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that enables it to enter human cells is called the spike protein. It interacts with a receptor on human cells called ACE2.

Hepatitis B virus is an example of a DNA virus. Influenza, rabies, and measles viruses are RNA viruses.

Ebola virus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it naturally occurs in animals and can be transmitted to humans. HIV, herpes simplex virus, and hepatitis C virus have primarily human-to-human transmission.

Oncolytic viruses are a promising approach in cancer treatment. One of their key advantages is that they offer an alternative to traditional chemotherapy or can be used in combination with radiation and chemotherapy. Unlike some traditional cancer treatments, oncolytic viruses are designed to specifically target cancer cells, sparing healthy cells, and potentially reducing the side effects often associated with chemotherapy.

The cowpox virus is instrumental in preventing smallpox infections through a vaccination method developed by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century. Jenner observed that individuals who contracted cowpox, a milder disease, became immune to smallpox. He used material from cowpox sores to vaccinate individuals against smallpox, effectively creating the first vaccine.