Virology — Which of the following viruses is susceptible to chloroform (i.e., inactivated by solvents that disrupt lipid envelopes)?

Introduction:
Chloroform and other lipid solvents disrupt lipid envelopes. Enveloped viruses are generally sensitive to detergents, alcohols, and solvents that extract membrane lipids. This question evaluates recognition of envelope dependence for infectivity.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Choices include Herpes virus, Influenza virus, and Measles virus.
• Chloroform is a lipid solvent that can disrupt envelopes.
• Nonenveloped viruses are usually resistant to chloroform.

Concept / Approach:
Viral envelopes are host-derived lipid bilayers containing viral glycoproteins needed for attachment and fusion. Removal or disruption of this envelope inactivates the virion. Therefore, any classically enveloped virus is chloroform sensitive in standard laboratory conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook disinfection tables list enveloped viruses as more labile to solvents and detergents than nonenveloped viruses like adenovirus or poliovirus. Chloroform is a classic reagent demonstrating this differential sensitivity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Herpes virus alone: true but incomplete because others are also susceptible.
• Influenza virus alone: true but incomplete.
• Measles virus alone: true but incomplete.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all viruses respond the same way to disinfectants; envelope presence is the key determinant of solvent sensitivity.

Final Answer:
All of these