Question

What is another name for a nonenveloped virus? a. enveloped virus b. provirus c. naked virus d. latent virus

Short answer

c. naked virus

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

Identify what is being asked. The question wants to know another term for a nonenveloped virus.

Identify Key Terms

Focus on the term 'nonenveloped virus'. This means a virus that does not have an outer lipid membrane.

Review the Provided Options

The options are: a. enveloped virus, b. provirus, c. naked virus, d. latent virus. We need to choose the correct term that matches 'nonenveloped virus'.

Eliminate Incorrect Options

a. enveloped virus - This has an outer lipid membrane, opposite of nonenveloped.b. provirus - This refers to viral DNA that is integrated into the host genome.d. latent virus - This refers to a virus that is present but not actively replicating.

Determine the Correct Answer

The remaining option is c. naked virus, which is another term for a virus without an envelope.

Key concepts

Another Name for Nonenveloped Virus

Nonenveloped viruses, also known as naked viruses, lack an outer lipid membrane. This makes them more resilient to environmental factors like alcohol, which would otherwise disrupt enveloped viruses. By lacking the lipid envelope, these naked viruses rely on their protein capsid to protect their genetic material when outside a host cell.

Naked viruses are typically more resistant to desiccation (drying out) and can survive longer on surfaces. Understanding these terms can help in grasping how different viruses survive and spread.

To sum up, the term 'naked virus' (option c) accurately describes a nonenveloped virus as per the exercise.

Viral Structure

The structure of a virus is pivotal in determining its classification and mode of transmission. Viruses consist of genetic material, DNA or RNA, encapsulated in a protein coat called a capsid. Enveloped viruses have an additional lipid membrane derived from the host cell's membrane; however, nonenveloped or naked viruses do not have this outer layer.

The capsid provides the virus with protection and helps in infecting the host by binding to specific receptors on the host cell's surface. Viruses like rhinoviruses and noroviruses are examples of nonenveloped viruses, making them sturdy in harsher environmental conditions.

Understanding viral structure is key in virology as it determines how we target viruses through sanitation measures and medical interventions.

Virus Classification

Viruses are classified based on several criteria including their genetic material, the presence or absence of an envelope, and their mode of replication. The key types of viruses are:

• Enveloped Viruses: Possess an outer lipid membrane, like influenza and HIV.
• Nonenveloped (Naked) Viruses: Lack this outer membrane, like adenoviruses and polioviruses.
• DNA Viruses: Contain DNA as their genetic material, such as herpesviruses.
• RNA Viruses: Use RNA for genetic information, including coronaviruses and rhinoviruses.

Further classification may include whether the genome is single or double-stranded, segmented or non-segmented.

Classifying viruses helps in understanding their behavior, the diseases they cause, and how they can be controlled and prevented.