The growth of viruses in a culture is described as a one-step growth curve, because
A) virion numbers show no increase during intracellular replication and can only be counted after the virions burst from the host cell.
B) there is only one step in the viral life cycle which leads to only one replicative cycle in a culture.
C) assembly and release actually occur in one step.
D) the eclipse phase prevents the plating and enumeration of virions although new virions are produced at a steady rate during the eclipse phase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The one-step growth curve of viruses is characterized by a period during which no increase in virion numbers is observed because the viruses are inside the host cells, replicating. The virions can only be counted after they are released from the host cell, leading to a sudden increase in virion number. This is why the growth curve appears as a single step when plotted.

The Growth of Viruses in a Culture Is Described as a One-Step