Question

The changes that occur in virally-infected cells are characteristic for a particular virus and are referred to as the

A) cytopathic effect.
B) phenotypic effect.
C) genotypic expression.
D) cytology.

Answer 1

Cytopathic effects (CPEs) are changes that occur in virally-infected cells and are characteristic of a particular virus. These effects can include cellular damage, such as lysis or programmed cell death, and can be visualized using a microscope. CPEs can aid in the identification and diagnosis of viral infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a virus infects cells, it can cause changes that are referred to as cytopathic effects (CPEs). These effects can include cell damage, such as lysis (bursting) or apoptosis (programmed cell death), resulting in the release of progeny virions. The severity of CPEs depends on the specific virus involved.

CPEs can be visualized using a microscope. Observable cell abnormalities, such as loss of adherence to the surface of the container, are indications of viral infection. Host cells may also undergo transformation, becoming associated with carcinomas and sarcomas.

The cytopathic effects caused by a virus are characteristic of that particular virus and can help identify and diagnose viral infections.