Viruses (DP IB Biology: HL): Exam Questions

Describe the structural features common to all viruses.

Viruses can vary greatly. The structure of bacteriophage lambda is different to that of coronaviruses.

Distinguish between the structures of bacteriophage lambda and coronaviruses.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) contains a protein capsid and a viral envelope consisting of a lipid bilayer and glycoproteins.

(i) State the role of the protein capsid in HIV. 

[1]

(ii) Explain how the envelope of HIV helps to avoid detection by the host cell.

[3]

Explain why the structural features of viruses could be regarded as an example of convergent evolution.