Question

Describe how the structure of a virus aids in its ability to infect cells

Answer 1

Answer:

A virus attaches to a specific receptor site on the host cell membrane through attachment proteins in the capsid or via glycoproteins embedded in the viral envelope. The specificity of this interaction determines the host (and the cells within the host) that can be infected by a particular virus.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

Capsid proteins interlock with a receptor site on the host cell.

The capsid protein and host cell receptor interlock like a puzzle piece.

Viruses vary in shape to attack the various types of receptors on cells.

The shapes of viruses include polyhedral, helical, enveloped, and complex.

Once the virus attaches to the host cell, it invades the cell and hijacks the DNA of the cell.