- A Injecting a killed, largely inactivated form of the entire intact virus particle each time as frequently described in most textbook accounts
- B Delivering mRNA encoding the viral spike protein; cells produce the antigen, generating immune response without infection
- C Injecting viral DNA that is designed to integrate permanently into the host cell genome directly during normal conditions
- D Using a bacterial DNA plasmid alone, without any lipid nanoparticle delivery system involved as generally observed in typical laboratory settings
Correct answer: B. Delivering mRNA encoding the viral spike protein; cells produce the antigen, generating immune response without infection
Explanation: mRNA vaccines (Pfizer/Moderna): lipid nanoparticles deliver mRNA encoding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Cells translate the mRNA, producing spike antigen. Immune system responds, creating memory without live virus.
Concept context
Recombinant DNA, GMOs, PCR, CRISPR, and biotechnology applications. Growing importance in NEET.
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