Biology 2e
Biology 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9781947172517
Author: Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher: OpenStax
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 21, Problem 1VCQ

Figure 21.5 Which of the following statements about virus structure is true?

  1. All viruses are encased in a viral membrane
  2. The capsomere is made up of small protein subunits called capsids.

  • DNA is the genetic material in all viruses.
  • Glycoproteins help the virus attach to the host cell.
  • Chapter 21, Problem 1VCQ, Figure 21.5 Which of the following statements about virus structure is true? All viruses are encased

    Expert Solution & Answer
    Check Mark
    Summary Introduction

    Introduction:

    Viruses have diversity in terms of the structure, the method of replication, host and target cells. Viruses are non-cellular and parasitic and do not have any internal organelles, metabolic process or plasma membrane. The virion consists of a nucleic acid core of either DNA or RNA, an outer coating of protein, or sometimes may have an outer membrane which is made up of phospholipid membrane which is derived from the host cell and proteins.

    Answer to Problem 1VCQ

    Correct answer:

    The correct answer is option (d) Glycoproteins help the virus attach to the host cell.

    Explanation of Solution

    Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

    Option (d) Glycoproteins help the virus attach to the host cell. All the virions have the nucleic acid genome which is covered with an outer protein protective layer is termed as capsid. Capsomere is small protein subunits that make up the capsid. The capsid of some of the viruses has a surrounding outer structure which is the viral envelope.

    All the viruses contain some kind of the glycoprotein for attachment to the host cell molecules which are the viral receptors. These cell surface molecules are exploited by viruses for recognition and infection to particular types of cell. So, the correct answer is option (d).

    Explanation for the incorrect answer:

    Option (a) All viruses are encased in a viral membrane. Viruses may or may not have a viral membrane. So, this is an incorrect option.

    Option (b) The capsomere is made up of small protein subunits called capsids Capsomere are small protein subunits that make up the capsid. So, this is an incorrect answer.

    Option (c) DNA is the genetic material in all viruses. The virion consists of a nucleic acid core of either DNA or RNA. So, this is an incorrect answer.

    Conclusion

    All the viruses contain some kind of the glycoprotein for attachment to the host cell molecules which are the viral receptors. These cell surface molecules are exploited by viruses for recognition and infection to particular types of cell. Hence, the correct answer is option (d) Glycoproteins help the virus attach to the host cell.

    Want to see more full solutions like this?

    Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
    Students have asked these similar questions
    Which of the following statements is TRUE concerning viral envelopes? Only viruses with envelopes have their contents enclosed by a layer containing lipids Only viruses without envelopes interact with receptor proteins on the surface of the host cell. Only viruses without envelopes can release their genetic material into the cytoplasm of the host. Only viruses with envelopes package their genetic material by engulfing it.
    Which of the following is a similarity between viruses of bacteria (bacteriophages) and viruses of algae?     These viruses will enter host cells by membrane fusion.     They infect host cells by injecting nucleic acid (i.e., capsid does not enter cell)     After replication in a host cell, the newly-assembled viruses will exit the cell by budding.     These viruses are taken into host cells by phagocytosis.
    What allows the membrane of the HIV and the membrane of the host to fuse? The virus capsid dissolves in the phospholipid bilayer of the host cell membrane The virus contacts proteins on the cell membrane of the host, and then the viral proteins undergo conformational changes The virus docks at a pore, which then pulls the virus into the cell membrane due to molecular attractions

    Chapter 21 Solutions

    Biology 2e

    Knowledge Booster
    Background pattern image
    Biology
    Learn more about
    Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
    Similar questions
    SEE MORE QUESTIONS
    Recommended textbooks for you
    Text book image
    Biology 2e
    Biology
    ISBN:9781947172517
    Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
    Publisher:OpenStax
    Text book image
    Concepts of Biology
    Biology
    ISBN:9781938168116
    Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
    Publisher:OpenStax College
    Text book image
    Biology (MindTap Course List)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781337392938
    Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Text book image
    Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
    Biology
    ISBN:9781305117396
    Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    What Is A Virus ? ; Author: Peekaboo Kidz;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS7vsBgWszI;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY