Question

A key feature of all viral infections is the

A) integration of viral DNA into host DNA.
B) disintegration of host DNA.
C) addition of a lipid membrane to the virus.
D) separation of viral nucleic acid from the capsid.

Answer 1

A key feature of viral infections is the separation of viral nucleic acid from the capsid, which is essential for replication and transcription of the virus within the host cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of viral infections and their features, the accurate statement is that glycoproteins help the virus attach to the host cell. Contrary to one of the options provided, it isn’t true that DNA is the genetic material in all viruses, as many viruses contain RNA instead. Viral infections begin when a virus attaches to a host cell receptor and can enter the cell either via endocytosis or by direct fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane. The viral nucleic acid is released after the viral capsid degrades inside the host cell, initiating the replication process. The envelope of viruses that have one is derived from the host's membrane structures, not the nucleic acids, cytoplasm, or genome.Therefore, a key feature of all viral infections is the separation of viral nucleic acid from the capsid. This process allows the viral genetic material to be replicated and transcribed within the host cell, which is a fundamental step in viral propagation.