Which one of the following term characterizes the interaction between herpes simplex virus and a human?

Question

Which one of the following term characterizes the interaction between herpes simplex virus and a human?

1. A. Parasitism (Correct answer)
2. B. Symbiosis
3. C. Endosymbiosis
4. D. Endoparasitism

Correct Answer

Option A — Parasitism

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Parasitism.

Key Points

• The interaction between the herpes simplex virus and a human host is an example of parasitism.
• Parasitism is a form of interspecific interaction in which one organism (the parasite) benefits while the other (the host) is harmed — conventionally denoted as a (+ , −) relationship.
• The virus obtains nutrition, shelter and the cellular machinery required for its replication from the human host, while the host suffers disease.
• In ecological terms, viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, since they cannot reproduce outside a living cell.
• Compare the related interactions: symbiosis or mutualism benefits both partners (+ , +), as in lichens or mycorrhizae; commensalism benefits one while the other is unaffected (+ , 0); amensalism harms one while the other is unaffected (− , 0); and competition harms both (− , −).

Exam Tip

• the +/− notation table is the fastest way to answer this entire family of questions, and note that herpes simplex establishes lifelong latency in nerve ganglia.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

निम्नलिखित में से कौन–सा शब्द हर्पीस सिंप्लेक्स वायरस और मानव के बीच की बातचीत को दर्शाता है?

1. A. परजीविता
2. B. सहजीवन
3. C. एंडोसिम्बियोसिस
4. D. एंडोपारासाइटिज्म