Question

when hiv causes a lysogenic infection, it can remain dormant for years. when it becomes a lytic infection, it
mutates infrequently. destroys white blood cells. can no longer cause aids causes no symptoms.

Explanation:

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell). In the lytic cycle of viral infection (as opposed to the lysogenic cycle where it can lie dormant), the virus actively replicates. This replication process leads to the destruction of the host cells (in this case, white blood cells). Over time, the depletion of white blood cells (especially CD4 cells) weakens the immune system. When the CD4 cell count drops below a certain level and the immune system is severely compromised, the condition progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

• The option "mutates infrequently" is incorrect. HIV is known for its high mutation rate, which is one of the reasons it's challenging to develop a vaccine.
• The option "can no longer cause AIDS" is wrong. In fact, the lytic phase of HIV replication (when it's actively destroying cells) is a key part of the progression towards AIDS as it damages the immune system.
• The option "causes no symptoms" is incorrect. During active (lytic) HIV replication, there can be a variety of symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, etc., especially during acute HIV infection (which is part of the active replication/lytic - like phase in the early stage of infection, and later during the period when the virus starts to actively replicate again after the dormant lysogenic - like phase in untreated cases).

Answer:

B. destroys white blood cells.