Sample interview questions: Can you describe your experience in conducting experiments to study viral entry and replication mechanisms?
Sample answer:
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Conducted experiments to investigate the entry mechanisms of various viruses, including influenza virus, herpes simplex virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Employed techniques such as viral attachment assays, cell surface receptor identification, and viral entry inhibitor studies to elucidate the molecular interactions involved in viral entry.
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Designed and executed experiments to study the replication mechanisms of viruses. Used techniques such as plaque assays, quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence staining to monitor viral replication kinetics, viral genome replication, and protein expression. Investigated the role of viral and host factors in viral replication, including viral polymerases, transcription factors, and host cell machinery.
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Utilized molecular biology techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis, gene overexpression, and RNA interference, to study the structure-function relationships of viral proteins involved in entry and replication. Generated mutant viruses and evaluated their infectivity, replication efficiency, and susceptibility to antiviral agents.
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