A virologist is researching acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV). Viral DNA analysis reveals a mutation in the thymidine kinase gene, resulting in a mutated enzyme that does not phosphorylate acyclovir to its active form. In an experiment, a resistant HSV type 2 strain containing this mutation is cultured in a cell line, and the cell culture is coinfected with a nonresistant HSV type 1 strain. It is found that some of the newly produced type 1 virions acquire resistance to acyclovir, and subsequent progeny continue to be resistant. Which of the following mechanisms best explains the observed findings?

Question

A virologist is researching acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV).  Viral DNA analysis reveals a mutation in the thymidine kinase gene, resulting in a mutated enzyme that does not phosphorylate acyclovir to its active form.  In an experiment, a resistant HSV type 2 strain containing this mutation is cultured in a cell line, and the cell culture is coinfected with a nonresistant HSV type 1 strain.  It is found that some of the newly produced type 1 virions acquire resistance to acyclovir, and subsequent progeny continue to be resistant.  Which of the following mechanisms best explains the observed findings?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Recombination refers to gene exchange that occurs through the crossing over of 2 double-stranded DNA molecules.  Reassortment describes the mixing of genome segments in segmented viruses that infect the same host cell.

A Virologist Is Researching Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)