Virology Multiple Choice Questions on “Chemotherapy of Viral Diseases”.
1. Which of the following agent targets ligand on virion?
a) Protease inhibitor
b) Disoxaril
c) Tat inhibitor
d) Zidovudine
Answer: b
Clarification: Disoxaril is an antiviral agent that targets the ligand on virion. It prevents the structural transition required for viral uncoating which results in inhibition of the reproduction of the virus.
2. Who developed a prodrug that depends on a viral enzyme to convert into its active form?
a) Elion
b) Watson
c) Crick
d) Pasteur
Answer: a
Clarification: Elion and his colleagues in the year 1977 developed a prodrug that depends on a viral enzyme to convert into its active form. It was a breakthrough in antiviral chemotherapy in 1977.
3. The chemical name of acycloguanosine is ____________
a) 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl) guanine
b) 9-(3-hydroxymethoxyethyl) guanine
c) 7-(2-hydroxymethoxymethyl) guanine
d) 7-(1-hydroxyethoxyethyl) guanine
Answer: a
Clarification: The chemical name of acycloguanosine is 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl) guanine and is commonly known as acyclovir. It is a guanine derivative with an acyclic side chain.
4. Ribavirin was first synthesized in __________
a) 1988
b) 1970
c) 1978
d) 1972
Answer: d
Clarification: Ribavirin was first synthesized in the year 1972 however, it has still not been licensed for general use in many countries. It is a nucleoside analog, 1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1, 2, 3, 4-triazole-3-carboxamide that inhibits the growth of a wide spectrum of RNA and DNA viruses.
5. Which of the following blocks the DNA polymerase of the herpes virus?
a) Trisodium phosphonoformate
b) Ganciclovir
c) Ribavirin
d) Acycloguanosine
Answer: a
Clarification: Trisodium phosphonoformate blocks the DNA polymerase of the herpes virus as well as the hepatitis B virus. It also blocks the reverse transcriptase enzyme of HIV viruses by blocking the pyrophosphate binding site on the enzyme.
6. Endosomes are involved in uncoating of the incoming virion.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Endosomes are involved in the uncoating of incoming virions. These are called acidic endosomes and M2 protein forms the tetrameric transmembrane ion channel which reduces pH gradient in acidic endosomes. These endosomes also help in the transport of newly synthesized hemagglutinin from the trans-Golgi cisternae to the plasma membrane.
7. Interferons are more effective orally.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Interferons are not effective orally or by mouth. Therefore, they are injected using injections. They display a broad sense of activity against all essential viruses.