TeXes Science Practice Test

Viruses that have the ability to cause cancer are known as:

1. Pathogenic viruses

2. Oncoviruses

3. Retroviruses

4. Neuroviruses

The correct answer is: Oncoviruses

Viruses that have the ability to cause cancer are referred to as oncoviruses. This term specifically describes a category of viruses that can lead to the development of tumors or malignancies in infected individuals. Oncoviruses can alter the genetic material of host cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth, which is a defining characteristic of cancer. Understanding oncoviruses is important in both virology and oncology, as they help researchers identify mechanisms of cancer development and potential therapeutic targets. In contrast, the other categories of viruses mentioned either refer to viruses that cause diseases in general (pathogenic viruses), are a specific group known for their ability to reverse transcribe RNA into DNA (retroviruses), or primarily affect the nervous system (neuroviruses). Thus, oncoviruses uniquely define those viruses that have a direct link to cancer development.