Virology Exam 1 Study Questions with Correct
Answers
Describe the structure, genome and life cycle of a Coronavirus. Correct
Answer-Structure: 120-160 nm enveloped virus with spike, envelope,
and membrane (SEM) proteins. Spike proteins fuse viral and cell
membranes
Genome: Linear +ss RNA genome (largest RNA genome ~30 kb), genes
go POL-S-E-M-N
Life cycle: Spike binds ACE2 on cell, RNA enters cell, virions are
produced in ER and Golgi and exocytosed
How SARS-CoV-1 and MERS CoVtransmitted? Correct Answer-
Airborne viruses
Describe initial transmission, kinetics and timeline of SARS-CoV-1 and
MERS CoV outbreaks. Correct Answer-SARS outbreak 2003, zoonotic
from bats, infection in wild markets (Dr. X infected 143 patients),
epidemic in china spread globally (over 8000 cases), last case recorded
in 2004
MERS outbreak 2012 in Saudia Arabia, spread to London, pathogen
isolated in 2013 Netherlands. ~1000 cases by 2015
Describe pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-1 and MERS. Why SARS- CoV-1
and MERS are so deadly? Correct Answer-Airborne inoculation via
upper respiratory tract, SARS enters respiratory and intestinal cells via
ACE2, downregulates reinin + angiotensin system, damaging lungs and
kidneys. Results in high fever, pneumonia, flu-like symptoms, and low
white cell count
, MERS: also has airborne inoculation by upper respiratory tract, goes to
lungs
List the signs and symptoms of infectious diseases caused by SARS-
CoV-1 and MERS. Correct Answer-SARS: Incubates 3-10 days, mild
signs in children, adults have severe illness with fever, chills, muscle
ache, cough and coryza, 50% mortality in 60+
MERS: cough, fever, muscle ache, shortness of breath, and diarrhea and
vomiting
List clinical similarities and epidemiologic differences between SARS-
CoV-1 and MERS Correct Answer-Both cause vomiting, diarrhea, and
abdominal pain. Both have a short incubation period and rapid
progression to lung failure and death, both are also worse in elderly
patients.
MERS had a slower epidemic spread and was less likely to transfer to
health care workers
List seven human coronaviruses. Describe the structure and genome of a
Coronavirus. Describe classic CoV pathogenesis (mostly for non-SARS
CoV). Correct Answer-Human coronaviruses: 229E, NL63, OC43,
HKU1, MERS, SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2
Structure: 120-160 nm enveloped virus with spike, envelope, and
membrane (SEM) proteins. Spike proteins fuse viral and cell membranes
Genome: Linear +ss RNA genome (largest RNA genome ~30 kb), genes
go POL-S-E-M-N
Answers
Describe the structure, genome and life cycle of a Coronavirus. Correct
Answer-Structure: 120-160 nm enveloped virus with spike, envelope,
and membrane (SEM) proteins. Spike proteins fuse viral and cell
membranes
Genome: Linear +ss RNA genome (largest RNA genome ~30 kb), genes
go POL-S-E-M-N
Life cycle: Spike binds ACE2 on cell, RNA enters cell, virions are
produced in ER and Golgi and exocytosed
How SARS-CoV-1 and MERS CoVtransmitted? Correct Answer-
Airborne viruses
Describe initial transmission, kinetics and timeline of SARS-CoV-1 and
MERS CoV outbreaks. Correct Answer-SARS outbreak 2003, zoonotic
from bats, infection in wild markets (Dr. X infected 143 patients),
epidemic in china spread globally (over 8000 cases), last case recorded
in 2004
MERS outbreak 2012 in Saudia Arabia, spread to London, pathogen
isolated in 2013 Netherlands. ~1000 cases by 2015
Describe pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-1 and MERS. Why SARS- CoV-1
and MERS are so deadly? Correct Answer-Airborne inoculation via
upper respiratory tract, SARS enters respiratory and intestinal cells via
ACE2, downregulates reinin + angiotensin system, damaging lungs and
kidneys. Results in high fever, pneumonia, flu-like symptoms, and low
white cell count
, MERS: also has airborne inoculation by upper respiratory tract, goes to
lungs
List the signs and symptoms of infectious diseases caused by SARS-
CoV-1 and MERS. Correct Answer-SARS: Incubates 3-10 days, mild
signs in children, adults have severe illness with fever, chills, muscle
ache, cough and coryza, 50% mortality in 60+
MERS: cough, fever, muscle ache, shortness of breath, and diarrhea and
vomiting
List clinical similarities and epidemiologic differences between SARS-
CoV-1 and MERS Correct Answer-Both cause vomiting, diarrhea, and
abdominal pain. Both have a short incubation period and rapid
progression to lung failure and death, both are also worse in elderly
patients.
MERS had a slower epidemic spread and was less likely to transfer to
health care workers
List seven human coronaviruses. Describe the structure and genome of a
Coronavirus. Describe classic CoV pathogenesis (mostly for non-SARS
CoV). Correct Answer-Human coronaviruses: 229E, NL63, OC43,
HKU1, MERS, SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2
Structure: 120-160 nm enveloped virus with spike, envelope, and
membrane (SEM) proteins. Spike proteins fuse viral and cell membranes
Genome: Linear +ss RNA genome (largest RNA genome ~30 kb), genes
go POL-S-E-M-N
