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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is most directly responsible for the entry of the influenza virus into the cell?
A
The hemagglutinin protein.
B
The NA spike protein.
C
Influenza C.
D
The neuraminidase antigen.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the question asks which component of the influenza virus facilitates its entry into the host cell.
Recall that influenza virus has surface proteins called hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), each with distinct functions.
Know that hemagglutinin (HA) binds to sialic acid receptors on the host cell surface, initiating viral attachment and entry.
Recognize that neuraminidase (NA) is involved later in the viral life cycle, primarily helping the release of new viral particles from infected cells, not entry.
Conclude that the hemagglutinin protein is most directly responsible for the entry of the influenza virus into the cell.