Correct Response: C. Some viruses are able to integrate a DNA copy of their genome into the host cell's DNA. This integrated viral DNA is called a provirus and becomes a permanent part of the host cell's genome. The provirus is a latent form of the virus that does not kill the host cell. It gets propagated each time the host cell copies and passes its DNA to daughter cells. The nature of the viral protein coat (A) does not play a role in the propagation of the virus except in finding a compatible host. Restriction enzymes destroy foreign DNA within a cell, so the absence of restriction enzymes (B) may actually increase the viruses' ability to infect and destroy a host cell. The use of RNA as the viral genetic material (D) does not play a role in the prevention of the death of the host cell. It only carries the genetic material for the virus.
