Question

Many viruses enter host cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis. What is an advantage of this entry strategy?

1. The virus directly enters the cytoplasm of the cell.
2. The virus is protected from recognition by white blood cells.
3. The virus only enters its target host cell type.
4. The virus can directly inject its genome into the cell's nucleus.

Short answer

Option (c) is the correct answer. Receptor-mediated endocytosis is used to bring specific substances from the extracellular fluid into the cell.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a variation of endocytosis that uses receptor proteins that are present in the plasma membrane and have a specific binding affinity for certain substances.

Step 2. Explanation

(c) Is the correct answer because receptor-mediated endocytosis is used to bring specific substances from the extracellular fluid into the cell which are present normally in the extracellular fluid at the same time other substances like flu viruses, toxins may enter into the cell as they all have binding sites so they cross and react with normal receptor binding sites and gain entry into the cell So to prevent the entry viruses receptor-mediated endocytosis is used.

Since receptor-mediated endocytosis is used to bring specific substances from the extracellular fluid into the cell which are present normally. So, this entry strategy prevents the entry of the virus directly entering the cytoplasm of the cell. so option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect.