Which of the following is a characteristic feature of viruses that distinguishes them from living cells?

A. Ability to reproduce independently

B. Presence of both DNA and RNA simultaneously

C. Metabolic processes for energy production

D. Absence of cytoplasm and cellular organelles

What is a significant implication of the high mutation rate in RNA viruses like HIV and influenza?

A. Decreased viral diversity

B. Increased stability of viral strains

C. Challenges in vaccine development

D. Reduced transmission among hosts

During the lysogenic cycle of bacteriophage lambda, what happens to the viral genome?

A. It disintegrates

B. It integrates into the host cell's genome

C. It replicates independently of the host cell's DNA

D. It translates into viral proteins immediately

Which of the following best describes the genetic material of viruses based on their diversity?

A. All viruses have double-stranded DNA

B. All viruses have single-stranded RNA

C. Viruses can have either DNA or RNA, which can be single or double-stranded

D. Viruses contain both DNA and RNA for replication

What is the primary reason for the rapid evolution and adaptability of viruses like influenza?

A. Slow mutation rate

B. Lack of host immune response

C. Genetic recombination and high mutation rate

D. Stable environmental conditions

Which of the following phases is NOT involved in the lytic cycle of viruses?

A. Integration

B. Penetration

C. Synthesis

D. Release

Convergent evolution in viruses suggests that:

A. All viruses have a common ancestor

B. Different viruses developed similar traits independently

C. Viruses evolve only through genetic recombination

D. Viral traits cannot change over time