Consider the movement in the host cell of two intracellular pathogens, the herpes simplex virus (H) and the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (L). Indicate whether each of the following descriptions better applies to the virus (H) or the bacterium (L). Your answer would be a four-letter string composed of letters L and H only, e.g. HLLL.
( ) It moves by a "pushing" mechanism (as opposed to a "pulling" mechanism).
( ) It can collide with the plasma membrane and create long, thin protrusions from the cell that can then be engulfed by a neighboring cell.
( ) Its movement is powered by ATP hydrolysis by kinesin and dynein motors.
( ) Its movement relies on dynamic cytoskeletal filaments.

Question

Consider the movement in the host cell of two intracellular pathogens, the herpes simplex virus (H) and the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (L). Indicate whether each of the following descriptions better applies to the virus (H) or the bacterium (L). Your answer would be a four-letter string composed of letters L and H only, e.g. HLLL.
( )	It moves by a "pushing" mechanism (as opposed to a "pulling" mechanism).
( )	It can collide with the plasma membrane and create long, thin protrusions from the cell that can then be engulfed by a neighboring cell.
( )	Its movement is powered by ATP hydrolysis by kinesin and dynein motors.
( )	Its movement relies on dynamic cytoskeletal filaments.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

L. monocytogenes moves around the host cell's cytosol by hijacking the actin cytoskeleton and nucleating new, short-lived actin filaments at one pole of the bacterial cell. This pushes the cell forward, possibly against the host cell's plasma membrane. Viruses such as the herpes simplex virus, which infects neurons, rely on microtubule tracks and their associated motor proteins for transport.

Consider the Movement in the Host Cell of Two Intracellular