1.
Cell transformation can be induced by:
Correct Answer
B. Virally-encoded permanently activated Src homolog signalling molecules
Explanation
Virally-encoded permanently activated Src homolog signalling molecules can induce cell transformation. These molecules, when introduced into the cell by a virus, are constantly active and can initiate signaling pathways that promote cell growth and division. This uncontrolled activation of cell signaling can lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells.
2.
Which of the following statements is false?
Correct Answer
D. Virally-encoded proteins that activate cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors can contribute to cell transformation
3.
30-year-old woman is worked up for an abnormal Pap smear. Colposcopy shows lesions in the cervix indicative of a malignancy caused by Papillomavirus infection.
Which of the following is the most likely process of transformation?
Correct Answer
C. Binding protein E7 to Rb and bypassing cell cycle control
Explanation
The most likely process of transformation in this case is the binding of protein E7 to Rb and bypassing cell cycle control. This is because the question states that the lesions in the cervix are indicative of a malignancy caused by Papillomavirus infection, and one of the key mechanisms by which Papillomavirus causes cancer is through the binding of its E7 protein to the Rb protein. This binding disrupts the normal cell cycle control and allows for uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, leading to the development of malignancy.
4.
Viral cell transformation can result from (1) the insertion of viral oncogenes into host cell genomes, (2) the integration of proviruses into host cell genomes near proto-oncogene regulatory sequences, (3) the permanent activation by viruses of host cell signalling pathways, and (4) the alteration of host cell cycling regulation by viruses. Which viruses are responsible for cell transformation due to integration of proviruses in the vicinity of proto-oncogenes (nontransducing viruses)?
Correct Answer
E. Retroviruses
Explanation
Transforming Oncogenic Retroviruses.
Introduction of a new transforming gene into the cell (direct-acting): Retroviruses containing oncogenic, cell-derived sequences in their genomes carry these sequences to each newly infected cell. They are highly oncogenic No human example is currently known.
Indirect-acting: The virus alters the expression of preexisting cellular genes through inserting the provirus. Proto-oncogenes might be activated by this insertional activation: Promoter insertion. Such a promoter might be contained in the LTR of inserted retroviruses. Integration close to a proto-oncogene may activate the expression of the gene: Enhancer Insertion. The enhancer is a DNA sequence increasing the rate of transcription by binding regulatory proteins (Meisenberg/Simmons, 2006).
5.
The HPV E7 protein leads the infected cell into the S phase of the cell cycle by
Correct Answer
C. Uncoupling the retinoblastoma restriction point protein pRb from the E2F family of transcription factors
Explanation
The HPV E7 protein is responsible for uncoupling the retinoblastoma restriction point protein pRb from the E2F family of transcription factors. This uncoupling allows the cell to progress into the S phase of the cell cycle.
6.
Which of the following oncogenic double–stranded DNA viruses binds to C3d/CD21?
Correct Answer
E. Epstein-Barr virus
Explanation
Epstein-Barr virus is the correct answer because it is known to bind to C3d/CD21. C3d is a complement protein that is involved in the immune response, and CD21 is a receptor found on B cells. Epstein-Barr virus is a double-stranded DNA virus that primarily infects B cells and is associated with various cancers, including Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. By binding to C3d/CD21, the virus is able to enter and infect B cells, leading to its oncogenic effects.
7.
Your patient is a college student who presents with mononucleosis like disease. What characteristic of Epstein-Barr virus is responsible for both the rash that is sometimes seen in EBV infectious mononucleosis and the presence of antibody which will agglutinate sheep red blood cells?
Correct Answer
E. Poly B cell expansion
Explanation
Poly B cell expansion is the characteristic of Epstein-Barr virus that is responsible for both the rash seen in EBV infectious mononucleosis and the presence of antibody which will agglutinate sheep red blood cells. This expansion of B cells leads to an increase in the production of antibodies, including those that can agglutinate sheep red blood cells. Additionally, the expansion of B cells can also cause a rash as part of the immune response to the virus.
8.
What are the characteristics of Cytomegalovirus?
Correct Answer
B. Enveloped ds DNA virus with no know oncogenic potential
Explanation
Cytomegalovirus is an enveloped ds DNA virus, meaning it has a double-stranded DNA genome surrounded by an envelope. It is known for causing two different types of inclusions in infected cells. The virus does not have any known oncogenic potential, meaning it does not have the ability to cause cancer. Therefore, the correct answer is that cytomegalovirus is an enveloped ds DNA virus with no known oncogenic potential.
9.
Virus shedding during acute EBV infection can be diminished by using acyclovir, a nucleoside analogue. Which of the following polymerases would be involved in this process?
Correct Answer
D. DNA-dependent DNA polymerase
10.
Inclusion bodies are:
Correct Answer
A. Accumulations of viral proteins in stained, infected cells
Explanation
Inclusion bodies are accumulations of viral proteins in stained, infected cells. These bodies are formed as a result of viral replication within the host cell. When a cell is infected by a virus, it starts producing viral proteins as part of the replication process. These proteins can aggregate and form inclusion bodies, which can be visualized using staining techniques. Inclusion bodies are commonly observed in viral infections and can help in the diagnosis of viral diseases. They are not induced by interferon or found in viral organelles of respiration.