Acyclovir is a chemical analog of a DNA nucleoside that is used to treat people who are infected by
herpes simplex viruses (HSV). How does acyclovir work as a treatment without harming the patients?
What will be an ideal response?
In infected cells, a virus-encoded enzyme is able to use acyclovir to make acyclovir monophosphate
(uninfected cells cannot do this effectively). Acyclovir monophosphate is then converted to acyclovir
triphosphate, which then interferes with viral DNA replication by viral DNA polymerase. Normal
cellular DNA polymerase function is not very sensitive to interference by acyclovir triphosphate when
compared to viral DNA polymerase, and uninfected cells cannot effectively produce acyclovir
triphosphate from acyclovir anyway. Thus, acyclovir is fairly specific in targeting the virus and not the
patient.
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Individual atoms on the surface of prepared samples can be observed by using the
A. phase contrast microscope. B. scanning electron microscope. C. dark-field microscope. D. atomic force microscope.
The Hardy–Weinberg principle describes how genotype frequencies are established in sexually reproducing
organisms.
a. True b. False
In its travel through the human body, blood usually continues on from capillaries to enter:
a. arterioles b. venules c. arteries d. veins e. other capillaries
Prezygotic mechanisms lead to reproductive isolation by preventing the formation of
A. hybrid zygotes. B. somatic cells. C. fertile sperm or pollen cells. D. fertile eggs. E. mating pairs.