While they are simple relative to cells, viruses often have a very diverse collection of components. Which one of the following choices is LEAST likely to be found as part of a virus?

Question

A.  proteins with functional binding sites
B.  membrane components
C.  single-stranded DNA
D.  ribosomes
E.  glycoproteins

Clarify Question
· What is the key concept addressed by the question?
· What type of thinking is required?
 
Gather Content
· What do you already know about virus structure?

  Choose Answer
· Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?
 
Reflect on Process
   · Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?

Answer 1

D.  ribosomes

Clarify Question
· What is the key concept addressed by the question?
        o This question addresses virus structure.
· What type of thinking is required?
        o This question is asking you to take what you already know and apply it to this unfamiliar situation.
 
Gather Content
· What do you already know about virus structure?
        o All viruses have a core of nucleic acid surrounded by protein. This structure lacks cytoplasm, and it is not a cell.
        o Viruses contain a genome of either DNA or RNA, which may be linear or circular; single-stranded or double-stranded.
        o Many animal viruses have an envelope around the capsid that is rich in proteins, lipids, and glycoproteins.

  Choose Answer
· Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?
        o Viruses may contain a genome of single-stranded DNA.
        o They have a capsid with proteins that have functional binding sites for the host cells.
        o They may also have membrane components in an envelope, including glycoproteins.
        o However, viruses do not carry ribosomes.
 
Reflect on Process
   · Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
        o The question required you to take what you already know and apply it to this unfamiliar situation.
        o Did you recognize that viruses often include all of the components listed, except for ribosomes? Viruses cannot support their own translation – they rely on the host cell for that.