Question

The viral ________ play(s) a role in attaching a virion to the host cell.

a. core

b. capsid

c. envelope

d. both b and c

Short answer

The viral capsid and envelope are involved in the virion's attachment to the host cell.

Step-by-step solution

Content Introduction

Viruses have plenty of shapes and sizes. They differ in terms of structure, replication mechanisms, and target hosts. Viruses infect nearly all forms of life, from bacteria and archaea to eukaryotes including plants, animals, and fungi.

Content Explanation

The viral envelope contains glycoproteins that are used to bind to host cells. Viruses with envelopes produce diseases such as chicken pox, influenza, and mumps. Due to the fragility of the envelope, non-enclosed viruses are more resistant to temperature, pH, and certain disinfectants than enveloped viruses.

A capsid is a protective coating of proteins that surrounds the nucleic acid genome of all virions. Some viral capsids have a simple polyhedral "sphere" structure, whereas others have a more complicated shape.

Final Answer

The correct option is D.

The viral capsid and envelope play(s) a role in attaching a virion to the host cell.