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

Animal Viruses: 2. Entry & Uncoating in the Host Cell

Microbiology

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

Animal Viruses: 2. Entry & Uncoating in the Host Cell

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Multiple Choice

There are two ways a virus can enter an animal cell. Which method is unique to enveloped viruses and why?

Entry via membrane fusion. Enveloped viruses have an outer member which fuses with the host cell's membrane.

Entry via endocytosis. Enveloped viruses have surface proteins which start endocytosis while naked viruses do not.

Both entry methods are unique to enveloped viruses, naked viruses cannot enter animal cells.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of enveloped viruses: Enveloped viruses have a lipid membrane surrounding their capsid, which is derived from the host cell membrane during viral assembly.

Explore the concept of membrane fusion: Enveloped viruses can enter animal cells through membrane fusion, where the viral envelope merges with the host cell membrane, allowing the viral capsid and genome to enter the cell.

Examine the role of surface proteins in endocytosis: Enveloped viruses have specific surface proteins that can bind to receptors on the host cell, triggering endocytosis, a process where the cell engulfs the virus in a vesicle.

Differentiate between enveloped and naked viruses: Naked viruses lack a lipid envelope and typically enter cells through other mechanisms, such as direct penetration or receptor-mediated endocytosis without fusion.

Clarify why both methods are not unique to enveloped viruses: While membrane fusion is unique to enveloped viruses, endocytosis can be utilized by both enveloped and naked viruses, although the mechanisms may differ.