Question

A scientist discovers a virus encoding a Protein X that degrades a subunit of the eIF4F complex. Knowing that this virus transcribes its own mRNAs in the cytoplasm of human cells, why would Protein X be an effective virulence factor?

a) The eIF4F complex is not involved in viral mRNA translation.
b) Degradation of the eIF4F complex enhances viral mRNA translation.
c) Protein X doesn’t affect viral mRNA translation.
d) The eIF4F complex is involved in DNA replication, not mRNA translation.

Answer 1

Protein X would be an effective virulence factor because it degrades a subunit of the eIF4F complex. The correct answer is option b).

Step-by-step explanation:

The virus encoding Protein X can be an effective virulence factor because Protein X degrades a subunit of the eIF4F complex. This complex is involved in translation initiation, which is a crucial step in protein synthesis. By degrading a subunit of the eIF4F complex, Protein X can disrupt the initiation of translation.

Leading to a reduction in the synthesis of host proteins and an increase in the synthesis of viral proteins. This enhances the virus's ability to replicate and infect human cells. For example, the eIF4F complex is responsible for binding the 5' cap of mRNA and positioning the ribosome at the start codon.

Degradation of the eIF4F complex by Protein X can prevent proper binding of the ribosome to mRNA, inhibiting the translation of host mRNA and favoring the translation of viral mRNA. Therefore, option b) Degradation of the eIF4F complex enhances viral mRNA translation is the correct answer.