Concepts of Biology
Concepts of Biology
1st Edition
ISBN: 9781938168116
Author: Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher: OpenStax College
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 17, Problem 1ACQ

Figure 17.5 Which of the following statements about virus structure is true?

a. All viruses are encased in a viral membrane.

b. The capsomere is made up of small protein subunits called capsids.

c. DNA is the genetic material in all viruses.

d. Glycoproteins help the virus attach to the host cell.

Chapter 17, Problem 1ACQ, Figure 17.5 Which of the following statements about virus structure is true? a. All viruses are

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 1ACQ

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!
03:48
Students have asked these similar questions
Regarding enveloped viruses, which of the following is true of the viral envelope? A. It has the same structure as a cell wall B. It is resistant to soaps/detergents C. It is composed of capsid proteins D. It is a phospholipid bilayer derived from a membrane of its host cell 42.
Which of the following descriptions correctly identifies a main structural difference between viruses with envelopes and viruses without envelopes? O A. Only viruses with envelopes package their genetic material by engulfing it. O B. Only viruses without envelopes interact with receptor proteins on the surface of the host cell. O. Only viruses without envelopes can release their genetic material into the cytoplasm of the host. O D. Only viruses with envelopes have their contents enclosed by a membranous layer containing lipids.
Discuss how the components of viruses assemble to make new virus particles. What is the difference between a virus that can self-assemble and one thatcannot? Give examples.
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
    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
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
What Is A Virus ? ; Author: Peekaboo Kidz;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS7vsBgWszI;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY