Compare and contrast a provirus and viral DNA. (1 point)
A. A provirus is newly replicated viral DNA after injection.
B. • A provirus is viral DNA incorporated into the host cell's DNA.
C. • A provirus is the host cell's DNA that has been destroyed.
The correct answer is B. A provirus is viral DNA incorporated into the host cell's DNA.
A provirus is a form of viral genetic material that has been integrated into the DNA of a host cell. This integration occurs after the virus infects the host cell and inserts its genetic material into the genome of the host. The provirus remains in a latent state, meaning it is not actively replicating, but it can become activated and start producing new virus particles under certain conditions.
Viral DNA, on the other hand, refers to the genetic material of a virus. It can exist in various forms, such as RNA or DNA, depending on the type of virus. Viral DNA is the complete set of genetic instructions that allow the virus to replicate and produce new virus particles. Unlike a provirus, which is integrated into the host cell's DNA, viral DNA exists as a separate entity within the virus particle.
The correct answer is B. A provirus is viral DNA incorporated into the host cell's DNA.
To compare and contrast a provirus and viral DNA, we need to understand what each term refers to:
1. Viral DNA: This term refers to the genetic material of a virus, which is usually in the form of DNA. Viral DNA contains the instructions necessary for the virus to replicate and infect host cells.
2. Provirus: A provirus is a form of viral DNA that has been incorporated into the DNA of the host cell. When a virus infects a host cell, it can integrate its genetic material into the genetic material of the cell. This integrated viral DNA is known as a provirus.
Now, let's compare and contrast the two:
Similarities:
- Both viral DNA and provirus are genetic material of a virus.
- They both contain the instructions required for the virus to replicate and infect host cells.
Differences:
- Viral DNA exists as an independent entity outside of the host cell's DNA, whereas a provirus is the viral DNA that has become a part of the host cell's DNA.
- Viral DNA can exist in various forms (e.g., linear or circular), depending on the type of virus. In contrast, a provirus is always integrated into the host cell's DNA.
- Viral DNA is responsible for replication and production of new virus particles. In contrast, a provirus may remain dormant within the host cell until certain signals trigger its activation and initiation of the virus replication cycle.
Therefore, the key difference is that viral DNA is the genetic material of the virus itself, while a provirus is viral DNA that has become a permanent part of the host cell's DNA.
The correct answer is B.
A provirus is viral DNA incorporated into the host cell's DNA.
A provirus is formed when a virus infects a host cell and integrates its genetic material into the DNA of the host cell. This can happen with certain types of viruses, such as retroviruses. The viral DNA becomes a permanent part of the host cell's genome and is replicated along with the host cell's DNA during cell division.
On the other hand, viral DNA refers to the genetic material of a virus. This can be in the form of single-stranded or double-stranded DNA, depending on the type of virus. The viral DNA carries the information required for viral replication and the production of viral proteins. Unlike a provirus, viral DNA is not integrated into the host cell's DNA but exists as a separate entity within the infected cell.