Question

scientists studying the growgrowgrow virus find a mutation that prevents viral capsid assembly but does not affect genome replication. how would this most likely affect a one-step growth curve?
○ immediate increase in viral count after infection
○ conversion to lysogenic growth
○ shorter eclipse phase and larger burst size (number of virions released from an infected cell)
○ normal intracellular viral genome levels but no increase in extracellular viral count

Explanation:

A viral capsid is required to assemble complete, infectious virions that can be released extracellularly. The mutation blocks capsid assembly but not genome replication, so intracellular viral genomes will replicate normally. However, no mature virions can be formed and released, so extracellular viral count will not increase. Other options are incorrect: there is no immediate viral count increase (eclipse phase still occurs), lysogenic growth is unrelated to capsid assembly, and the eclipse phase is not shortened nor burst size increased.

Answer:

O Normal intracellular viral genome levels but no increase in extracellular viral count