Question

Several DNA viruses can cause latent infection by their ability to

• A. remain outside the host as non-living particles
• B. bind to a specific receptor
• C. integrate into the host genome, but not replicate
• D. actively replicate and produce more virus

Hint:

Latency = "Sleeping" inside the DNA. The virus is there, but nothing is happening.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept
Latency is a state where a virus remains dormant within a host cell without causing active disease or producing new virions.

Step 2: Analysis
To remain long-term, the viral DNA often persists as an episome or integrates directly into the host cell's chromosomes.

Step 3: Reasoning
In this state, the viral genes are mostly silent (not replicating), allowing the virus to evade the host immune system while the cell survives.

Step 4: Conclusion
Integration into the host genome without active replication is the mechanism for latent infection. Final Answer: (C)