A Virologist Is Researching Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

A virologist is researching acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) .  Viral DNA analysis reveals a mutation in the thymidine kinase gene, resulting in a mutated enzyme that does not phosphorylate acyclovir to its active form.  In an experiment, a resistant HSV type 2 strain containing this mutation is cultured in a cell line, and the cell culture is coinfected with a nonresistant HSV type 1 strain.  It is found that some of the newly produced type 1 virions acquire resistance to acyclovir, and subsequent progeny continue to be resistant.  Which of the following mechanisms best explains the observed findings?

A) Interference
B) Phenotypic mixing
C) Reassortment
D) Recombination
E) Transformation

Correct Answer:

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