Viral Replication Mechanisms and Host Interactions

The focus of this examination is on viral replication strategies and how these processes interact with host cellular machinery. Candidates will articulate the various stages of the viral life cycle, from attachment to release.

This knowledge is vital for understanding how viruses efficiently invade host systems and the potential for developing antiviral therapies that target specific replication stages. It also informs vaccine design and outbreak preparedness.

Candidates will be tested on their ability to verbally describe the mechanisms of viral entry, genome replication, protein synthesis, and host immune responses to viral infections.

When preparing, candidates should consider examples from various viral groups to illustrate similarities and differences in replication strategies and their implications for host-pathogen dynamics.