Question

An individual has been infected with a particular retrovirus. In order for the latent virus DNA to be inherited by subsequent generations stemming from this individual, it must be found in which of the following?

1) in germ line cells.
2) in stem cells.
3) at a point early in childhood.
4) in all cells simultaneously.
5) in somatic cells.

Answer 1

The latent virus DNA from a retrovirus must be found in germ line cells in order to be inherited by subsequent generations, as only genetic information in these cells can be passed on to offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order for the latent virus DNA from a retrovirus to be inherited by subsequent generations stemming from an individual, it must be found in germ line cells. These are the cells that give rise to gametes (sperm and eggs), which combine to form a new organism in sexual reproduction.

Only changes or insertions in the DNA of germ line cells can be passed on to offspring, providing the possibility for inheritance of the viral DNA. Conversely, if the retrovirus infects somatic cells, which are all non-reproductive cells in the body, the viral DNA would not be passed on, as these cells do not contribute to the genetic makeup of the next generation.