Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

Microbiology

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Microbiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

SARS-Cov-2 virus (Covid-19) is an enveloped virus. Enveloped viruses are easier to deactivate because soaps and disinfectants easily damage the viral envelope. Why does damaging the viral envelope make SARS-Cov-2 not infectious?

SARS-Cov-2 cannot attach to the host cell without its viral envelope.

SARS-Cov-2 cannot replicate its genome without its viral envelope.

SARS-Cov-2 cannot synthesize viral proteins without its viral envelope.

SARS-Cov-2 cannot assemble inside the host cell without its viral envelope.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of enveloped viruses: Enveloped viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, have a lipid membrane surrounding their capsid. This envelope is derived from the host cell membrane and contains viral proteins crucial for infection.

Explore the role of the viral envelope in attachment: The viral envelope contains glycoproteins that are essential for the virus to attach to host cells. Without these proteins, the virus cannot initiate infection.

Consider the impact on viral entry: Damaging the envelope disrupts the glycoproteins, preventing the virus from entering the host cell, which is a critical step for the virus to begin replication.

Examine the replication process: Once inside the host cell, the virus uses its envelope to facilitate the replication of its genome. Without the envelope, the virus cannot effectively replicate its genetic material.

Analyze the assembly and release of new virions: The viral envelope is also involved in the assembly of new viral particles within the host cell. Damage to the envelope impairs the virus's ability to assemble and release new infectious particles.