Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

How do viruses reproduce?

1. Through direct division

2. Using the reproductive mechanism of host cells

3. By binary fission

4. By spontaneous generation

The correct answer is: Using the reproductive mechanism of host cells

Viruses reproduce by utilizing the reproductive mechanisms of host cells. Unlike living organisms that can reproduce independently, viruses cannot replicate on their own. They must first attach to a host cell and inject their genetic material into it. Once inside, they hijack the host cell's machinery to create copies of themselves. This process usually involves the viral genome directing the host cell to produce viral proteins and new virus particles. Eventually, these new viral particles are assembled and released from the host cell, allowing the virus to spread and infect other cells. The other methods mentioned are characteristic of other forms of life; for instance, binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction typical of bacteria, while spontaneous generation is a discredited theory that suggested living organisms could arise from non-living matter. Direct division does not apply to viruses, as they rely on a host for replication. Therefore, understanding that viruses require host cells for their reproduction is crucial for comprehending viral behavior and the impact of viral infections.