Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

What characteristic of viruses makes them different from bacteria in terms of food safety?

1. Viruses can reproduce rapidly in food

2. Viruses require a host cell for reproduction

3. Viruses can be killed by cooking

4. Viruses can survive in extreme conditions

The correct answer is: Viruses require a host cell for reproduction

Viruses are fundamentally different from bacteria in that they require a host cell to reproduce. Unlike bacteria, which are single-celled organisms capable of independent growth and reproduction in various environments, viruses are not considered alive until they infect a host. They invade the cells of living organisms and utilize the host's cellular machinery to replicate themselves. This dependency on a host for reproduction is a crucial aspect of food safety, as it influences how viruses behave and spread, particularly in foodborne illness outbreaks. Understanding this characteristic helps highlight the importance of preventing contamination in food, as proper safety measures can help stop the transmission of viruses that can lead to illness.