If a virus is latent
A) it cannot be a retrovirus.
B) the viral genome is reproduced along with the host cell.
C) it must be a retrovirus.
D) it is gaining a new envelope via "budding."
E) it is easy to develop immunity against.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A latent virus is one that is present in the host cell's genome and can be replicated along with the host cell's DNA during cell division. This means that the viral genome is reproduced along with the host cell, as stated in option B. Option A is incorrect as retroviruses are a type of RNA virus that use reverse transcriptase to insert their genome into the host cell's DNA, and can also become latent. Option C is incorrect as being latent does not necessarily mean a virus is a retrovirus. Option D is incorrect as "budding" is a process by which some viruses, including retroviruses, acquire a new envelope, but is not specific to latent viruses. Option E is incorrect as it is not necessarily easy to develop immunity against a latent virus, as it may be hiding in the host's genome and not actively producing viral particles.

If a Virus Is Latent