60 Questions
What is the generalised structure of viruses?
Protein coat surrounding genetic material
Which of the following is an example of a complex carbohydrate?
Sucrose
How many units do oligosaccharides typically have?
3-10
What is the main role of glycobiology in drug design?
To increase drug specificity
Which blood group function is associated with cell signaling and the immune response?
Blood Group AB
How many units does cellulose, a polysaccharide, typically have?
~3000
What is the primary purpose of live vaccines?
To stimulate the immune system artificially
Why are 'dead vaccines' less common than live vaccines?
They are primarily used when no safe live vaccine is available
Why are boosters given after vaccination?
To develop maximum immunity over time
What is the aim of 'Herd Immunity'?
To slow down and eventually stop the spread of a disease
How has molecular biology contributed to vaccine production?
By enabling genetically engineered vaccines like Hepatitis B
What is the significance of recombinant vaccines?
They allow for multiple pathogen 'antigens' to be expressed from a single virus vector
What is a key challenge in the development of anti-virals mentioned in the text?
Difficulty in distinguishing between virus and host cell processes
Which aspect of viruses makes the development of anti-virals challenging?
Ability to undergo antigenic changes
What is a strategy mentioned for inhibiting viral translation in the text?
Inhibiting glycosylation processes
Which type of infections are nucleoside analogues commonly used to treat?
Herpes virus infections
What type of inhibitors are non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors used for in HIV treatment?
Interfering with viral transcription
What is the purpose of HIV-fusion inhibitors in antiviral therapy?
Inhibit virus penetration
Which class of antiviral agents do neuraminidase inhibitors belong to?
Virus attachment disruptors
'Chronic hepatitis B is treated using which type of agents according to the text?'
Interferons (immunostimulants)
What is a common mechanism of action for nucleotide analogues according to the text?
Prevent viral DNA polymerase activity
What is a primary consideration in the design of antiviral drugs according to the text?
Selective inhibition of processes unique to viruses
What is the first step in the life cycle of viruses?
Entry into the host cell
What is the final stage in the life cycle of viruses according to the text?
New 'progeny' virus release
What determines the specificity of a virus for a particular host tissue?
Host cell-surface receptors
Which historical event resulted in up to 90% of indigenous tribes in North & South America being decimated?
Smallpox epidemics
What is the major approach to disease control mentioned in the text?
Prophylaxis and vaccination
Which strategy for healthcare is mentioned to include improvements in nutrition and sanitation?
'Prophylactic strategies
What does vaccination aim to achieve in terms of immunity?
'Prime' the immune system
'Post-exposure prophylaxis', as mentioned in the text, refers to:
'Preventive measures after pathogen exposure'
'Antiviral agents' face issues of resistance due to:
'Rapid mutation of viruses'
What is the main challenge in developing vaccines for HIV, influenza, and COVID according to the text?
Rapid mutation of viruses
Why are antiviral drugs considered the best option in some cases according to the text?
Infections have already occurred and are hidden inside host cells
What has made the search for antiviral drugs more challenging compared to antibacterial drugs?
Viruses use host cells' mechanisms to multiply
Why is maintaining broad spectrum antiviral activity important for an ideal small molecule antiviral drug?
To keep it effective against various viruses
What is a key characteristic of good viral drug targets mentioned in the text?
Amino acid sequence identical in a specific region across different viruses
What is the significance of understanding the viral genomic research mentioned in the text?
To identify new targets for antiviral agents
What was one of the initial events that kick-started general research into anti-viral chemotherapy as per the text?
The epidemic proportions reached by a disease affecting homosexual men
What is one reason why vaccination may be less effective in certain patient groups as mentioned in the text?
Weakened immune systems due to organ transplants
Why is identifying new targets crucial for the development of antiviral agents according to the text?
To open new avenues for small molecule therapeutics
What is one common factor among good viral drug targets mentioned in the text?
Having crucial roles in the virus life cycle
What is the main function of glycans in the body?
Signalling between cells
How do viruses transmit between hosts through arthropods or ticks?
Through biting and injecting saliva
What is the main function of the protein coat (capsid) in a virus?
Protect the viral genome
Which type of viruses replicate their RNA in the cytoplasm of host cells?
RNA virus
What is the ADEPT approach used for in drug design?
Enhance drug specificity
How do most viruses enter a susceptible cell for multiplication?
At the 'portal of entry'
What enzyme is essential in the replication process of retroviruses?
'Retrotranscriptase'
'ADEPT' in drug design stands for:
'Antibody Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy'
What is the primary cause of disease symptoms resulting from viral infections?
Cell destruction by host response
What is the role of glycan-lectin interactions in cells?
Directing trafficking of glycoconjugates
Which type of glycosidic linkage is found in cellulose?
1→4 b-linked
What is the main structural difference between amylose and amylopectin?
Branching pattern
Which of the following is a component of cell walls and forms the hard crust for insects and shellfish?
Chitin
What is the basis for many current anti-viral therapeutics such as Tamiflu?
N-acetyl neuraminic acid
What does glycobiology aim to define?
The biological functions of sugars attached to proteins
What is the term for a glycan attached to a protein or lipid?
Glycoconjugate
In glycoproteins, why can mismatched blood groups lead to agglutination of blood cells?
Presence of different glycans on the protein surface
'Providing structural components' is one of the functions performed by glycans of glycoproteins. Which example is correct for this function?
'Cell wall formation'
'Glycans and Blood groups' mentions the importance of blood group compatibility. What can happen if incompatible blood groups are mixed?
'Agglutination of blood cells'
Test your understanding of carbohydrates and their role in biological polymers, amino acids, and nucleic acids. Explore the biological and therapeutic relevance of carbohydrates, with a focus on antiviral agents and their mechanisms. Evaluate your comprehension of Lecture 12: Carbohydrates & Viruses in the Science of Medicines course at Medway School of Pharmacy.
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