Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumViruses: Structure and Characteristics

Match each viral structural component or characteristic on the left with its corresponding chemical composition or biological function on the right.

  • CapsidProtein shell composed of capsomeres that encloses the viral genome
  • Viral EnvelopeLipid bilayer outer layer derived from host cell membranes
  • Genetic CoreSingle type of nucleic acid, existing as either DNA or RNA (never both)
  • Tail FibersSpecialized protein appendages used for specific attachment to host cell receptors

Answer

Capsid matches with the protein shell composed of capsomeres; Viral Envelope matches with the lipid bilayer outer layer derived from host cell membranes; Genetic Core matches with the single type of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA, never both); and Tail Fibers match with specialized protein appendages used for specific attachment to host cell receptors.
Each component of a virus serves a specific structural or functional role: the capsid is a protein shell composed of capsomeres enclosing the genome; the envelope is a host-derived lipid membrane; the genome consists of either DNA or RNA (never both); and tail fibers allow specific host cell receptor binding.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the composition of the protective protein coat surrounding the genome.
The Capsid consists of capsomeres made of protein subunits.
Viruses protect their genetic material inside a protein capsid structure.
2
Determine the origin and nature of the outer membrane present in enveloped viruses.
The Viral Envelope is a lipid bilayer acquired from host cell membranes during budding.
Envelopes are composed of phospholipids taken from host plasma or nuclear membranes.
3
Examine the fundamental rule of viral nucleic acid genome composition.
The Genetic Core contains strictly either DNA or RNA.
A defining acellular characteristic of viruses is that they do not possess both DNA and RNA simultaneously.
4
Identify host recognition structures in complex viruses such as bacteriophages.
Tail Fibers function specifically to bind to receptor sites on bacterial host walls.
Adsorption depends on specific interactions between viral tail fiber proteins and host surface molecules.

Key Concept

Structure, chemical composition, and function of viral components
Rate this question

Topics

Viruses: Structure and Characteristics

More questions from this topic