alleryStart learning →Tamiflu treats influenza by inhibiting neuraminidase. What does that enzyme normally do?
AIt opens the nuclear pore of the host cell
BIt lets new virions leave infected cells
CIt copies the viral genome into fresh RNA
DIt fuses the envelope with the membrane
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. It lets new virions leave infected cells
1. Tamiflu, also called oseltamivir, shortens influenza symptoms by one or two days.
2. It works by inhibiting the viral enzyme neuraminidase.
3. Neuraminidase normally allows new virions to leave the cells they were made in.
4. Blocking it therefore stops the virus spreading from infected cells to uninfected ones.
5. Copying the genome is the job of a polymerase, so that option names the wrong enzyme class.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 21 "Viruses", section 21.3 Prevention and Treatment of Viral Infections_
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