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Multiple Choice
Which structure allows a virus to recognize and attach to receptors on the host cell?
A
Envelope proteins
B
Viral genome
C
Nucleic acid
D
Capsid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that viruses need to attach to host cells to initiate infection. This attachment is facilitated by specific structures on the virus.
Recognize that the virus must identify and bind to specific receptors on the surface of the host cell. This specificity is crucial for the virus to infect the correct type of cell.
Identify the structures on the virus that interact with host cell receptors. These structures are typically proteins that protrude from the virus surface.
Differentiate between the components of a virus: the viral genome (nucleic acid), the capsid (protein coat), and envelope proteins (if present).
Conclude that envelope proteins, which are found on the surface of some viruses, are responsible for recognizing and attaching to host cell receptors, facilitating viral entry into the cell.