Question

For many viruses to penetrate the cell membrane and complete their replication inside the cell, the virus must attach to their host cells. Describe how a virus attaches to a host cell.

a) By engulfing the host cell
b) By injecting its genetic material into the host cell
c) By forming a syncytium with the host cell
d) By fusing its envelope with the host cell membrane

Answer 1

A virus attaches to a specific receptor site on the host-cell membrane through attachment proteins in the capsid or via glycoproteins embedded in the viral envelope.

Step-by-step explanation:

A virus attaches to a specific receptor site on the host-cell membrane through attachment proteins in the capsid or via glycoproteins embedded in the viral envelope.

The specificity of this interaction determines the host—and the cells within the host—that can be infected by a particular virus. This can be illustrated by thinking of several keys and several locks, where each key will fit only one specific lock.