DNA Viruses Practice Questions
19 free DNA Viruses practice questions for the Microbiology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
What type of genetic material is present in DNA viruses?
- A RNA only
- B DNA only
- C Both DNA and RNA
- D Protein only
Correct answer: DNA only
DNA viruses contain DNA as their genetic material. This can be either single-stranded or double-stranded DNA.
Where do most DNA viruses replicate within the host cell?
- A Cytoplasm
- B Cell nucleus
- C Cell membrane
- D Mitochondria
Correct answer: Cell nucleus
Most DNA viruses replicate in the host cell nucleus. They use host enzymes for transcription and replication.
Which DNA virus family includes the causative agent of cold sores?
- A Adenoviridae
- B Herpesviridae
- C Poxviridae
- D Papillomaviridae
Correct answer: Herpesviridae
The causative agent of cold sores is herpes simplex virus type 1, which belongs to the Herpesviridae family. These are large, enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses.
Which DNA virus replicates in the cytoplasm instead of the nucleus?
- A Adenovirus
- B Herpesvirus
- C Poxvirus
- D Papillomavirus
Correct answer: Poxvirus
Poxviruses are unique among DNA viruses because they replicate in the cytoplasm. They carry their own replication machinery.
Which DNA virus is associated with warts?
- A Herpesvirus
- B Papillomavirus
- C Adenovirus
- D Hepatitis B virus
Correct answer: Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts and is linked to certain cancers. It is a non-enveloped DNA virus.
Which DNA virus is partially double-stranded and uses reverse transcription?
- A Adenovirus
- B Epstein-Barr virus
- C Hepatitis B virus
- D Poxvirus
Correct answer: Hepatitis B virus
Hepatitis B virus has a partially double-stranded DNA genome. It replicates through an RNA intermediate using reverse transcriptase.
Which structure protects DNA in DNA viruses?
- A Envelope
- B Viral capsid
- C Ribosome
- D Cell membrane
Correct answer: Viral capsid
The viral capsid protects viral DNA from degradation. It also helps in delivering the genome into host cells.
Which DNA virus family includes viruses causing chickenpox?
- A Adenoviridae
- B Poxviridae
- C Papillomaviridae
- D Herpesviridae
Correct answer: Herpesviridae
Varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, belongs to the Herpesviridae family. It establishes latent infections.
Which DNA virus family has complex brick-shaped viruses?
- A Herpesviridae
- B Adenoviridae
- C Papillomaviridae
- D Poxviridae
Correct answer: Poxviridae
Poxviruses have large, complex brick-shaped structures. They are among the largest viruses known.
Which DNA virus is associated with conjunctivitis?
- A Herpesvirus
- B Papillomavirus
- C Poxvirus
- D Adenovirus
Correct answer: Adenovirus
Adenoviruses can cause respiratory infections and conjunctivitis. They are common pathogens in humans.
Which DNA virus family is known for latency?
- A Herpesviridae
- B Adenoviridae
- C Papillomaviridae
- D Parvoviridae
Correct answer: Herpesviridae
Herpesviruses can establish latent infections in host cells. They can reactivate later under certain conditions.
Which DNA virus has the smallest genome?
- A Poxvirus
- B Herpesvirus
- C Parvovirus
- D Adenovirus
Correct answer: Parvovirus
Parvoviruses are among the smallest DNA viruses. They have a single-stranded DNA genome.
Which DNA virus is icosahedral and non-enveloped?
- A Herpesvirus
- B Poxvirus
- C Adenovirus
- D Hepatitis B virus
Correct answer: Adenovirus
Adenoviruses have an icosahedral capsid and lack an envelope. This makes them relatively stable in the environment.
Which enzyme is used by most DNA viruses for replication?
- A DNA polymerase
- B Reverse transcriptase
- C RNA polymerase
- D Protease
Correct answer: DNA polymerase
DNA viruses typically use DNA polymerase to replicate their genome. Some rely on host enzymes while others encode their own.
Which DNA virus family includes viruses causing molluscum contagiosum?
- A Adenoviridae
- B Herpesviridae
- C Papillomaviridae
- D Poxviridae
Correct answer: Poxviridae
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus. These viruses replicate in the cytoplasm and form skin lesions.
Which DNA virus is associated with cervical cancer?
- A Adenovirus
- B Herpesvirus
- C Hepatitis B virus
- D Papillomavirus
Correct answer: Papillomavirus
Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) are associated with cervical cancer. They interfere with cell cycle regulation.
Which DNA virus family includes viruses with linear double-stranded DNA?
- A Adenoviridae
- B Parvoviridae
- C Papillomaviridae
- D Hepadnaviridae
Correct answer: Adenoviridae
Adenoviridae have linear double-stranded DNA genomes. They infect respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
Which DNA virus has circular double-stranded DNA?
- A Papillomavirus
- B Adenovirus
- C Parvovirus
- D Hepatitis B virus
Correct answer: Papillomavirus
Papillomaviruses have circular double-stranded DNA genomes. They infect epithelial cells.
Which DNA virus family includes viruses that infect rapidly dividing cells?
- A Parvoviridae
- B Herpesviridae
- C Poxviridae
- D Adenoviridae
Correct answer: Parvoviridae
Parvoviruses require actively dividing cells for replication. They rely on host DNA replication machinery.