/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 20 Cytomegaloviruses are a widespre... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Cytomegaloviruses are a widespread and diverse group of: (a) Cytoviruses (b) Retroviruses (c) Poxviruses (d) Herpesviruses (e) Mycoplasmas

Short Answer

Expert verified
Cytomegaloviruses are a group of Herpesviruses.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

The question asks us to identify the group to which cytomegaloviruses belong. It is a classification question where we need to match cytomegaloviruses with one of the options provided.
02

Analyze Given Options

We are provided with five different types of virus groups: Cytoviruses, Retroviruses, Poxviruses, Herpesviruses, and Mycoplasmas. We need to identify the group that cytomegaloviruses are part of.
03

Knowledge Application

Cytomegaloviruses are known for being part of the herpesvirus family. The name ‘cytomegalo’ is derived from the large cells they cause when the virus infects a host.
04

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the knowledge that cytomegaloviruses belong to the herpesvirus family, select option (d) Herpesviruses.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Herpesvirus classification
Herpesviruses are a large group of DNA viruses. They are known for their ability to establish lifelong infections in the host. This is possible because they can enter a dormant state, called latency, in the cells. During this period, the virus is present but not actively producing symptoms. This is why infections can be reactivated later in life. Common members of the herpesvirus family include:
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – responsible for cold sores and genital herpes
  • Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) – causes chickenpox and shingles
  • Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) – associated with infectious mononucleosis
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – which we'll focus on here
Understanding this classification helps us see why CMV is related to other herpesviruses and what characteristics they share.
Virus types
Viruses are broadly classified based on their structure and replication methodology. Two main types are:
  • DNA Viruses: These viruses, like herpesviruses, contain DNA. They usually replicate within the host cell's nucleus. DNA viruses often establish long-term persistent infections. They rely on the host cell's machinery to replicate their DNA.
  • RNA Viruses: These contain RNA instead of DNA. They typically replicate in the host cell’s cytoplasm. Because RNA viruses lack the proofreading ability of DNA viruses, they often mutate more quickly.
Cytomegaloviruses belong to the DNA virus group. This means they share common features with other DNA-centric viruses, such as stability and potential to cause latent infections.
Cytomegalovirus characteristics
Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are part of the herpesvirus family. They are characterized by their ability to enlarge cells when they infect the body. CMVs are ubiquitous, meaning they are found worldwide and can infect people of all ages. Like other herpesviruses, CMV can go into latency.

One of the unique features of CMV is its impact on immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV or organ transplant recipients. In such cases, CMV can cause severe and potentially life-threatening infections.
  • Most CMV infections are asymptomatic or cause mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals.
  • Serious symptoms usually only appear in individuals with weakened immune systems.
  • Congenital CMV infection can occur if a mother contracts CMV during pregnancy, potentially leading to birth defects.
Overall, CMVs are significant due to their prevalence and their potential to cause severe disease under certain conditions.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Urogenital infections are most common near the openings of the vagina and urethra. However, which of the following nonspecific defenses help prevent infection? (a) Cleansing action of urine outflow (b) Urinary sphincters (c) Acidic \(\mathrm{pH}\) of mucous membranes (d) Competition from normal microflora (e) All of the above.

The human papillomavirus is thought to play a role in what disease other than genital warts? (a) Diarrhea (b) Blindness (c) Arthritis (d) Deafness (e) Cervical cancer

Match the stages of syphilis to their descriptions: _____Incubation stage _____Primary stage _____Primary latent period _____Secondary stage _____Secondary latent stage _____Tertiary stage (a) Disease of multiple body systems occur including "neurosyphilis" with formations of granulomatous inflammation called "gummas." (b) All symptoms disappear again. Can persist for life, variable periods, or not at all. In some patients syphilis does not progress beyond this stage. (c) Highly contagious stage in which symptoms can appear, disappear, and reappear over a period of up to 5 years. Copper-colored rashes are common. (d) External signs of disease disappear, but blood tests are still positive since the spirochetes are spreading through the circulation. (e) Inflammatory "chancres" usually develop at the primary entry site 3 weeks later after initial infection. Chancres disappear 4-6 weeks later but disease has progressed to next stage. (f) Organisms are multiplying and spreading throughout the body over a period lasting 2-6 weeks after entering the body.

Toxic shock syndrome is caused by a superantigen produced by which organism? (a) Salmonella enterica (b) Escherichia coli (c) Chlamydia trachomatis (d) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (e) Staphylococcus aureus

Which of the following are associated with pelvic inflammatory disease? (a) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (c) Escherichia coli (d) Chlamydia trachomatis (d) Both a and \(c\) (e) \(a, b\), and \(c\)

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.