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Difficulty: HardViruses: Structure and Characteristics

Match each viral structural component listed in Column I with its correct biochemical nature or biological function in Column II.

  • CapsidComplete protective protein shell surrounding the central viral nucleic acid genome
  • Viral EnvelopeLipid bilayer membrane derived from the host cell during viral budding
  • CapsomeresIndividual morphological protein subunits whose precise arrangement determines viral symmetry
  • Glycoprotein SpikesSurface projection proteins essential for specific host cell receptor recognition and attachment

Answer

Capsid matches with the complete protective protein shell surrounding the genetic material; Viral Envelope matches with the host-derived lipid bilayer membrane; Capsomeres match with the individual protein subunits determining viral symmetry; Glycoprotein Spikes match with surface proteins essential for host receptor attachment.
Each structural component has a specific chemical identity and function: the capsid serves as the primary protective protein shell for viral DNA or RNA; capsomeres are the fundamental repeating protein units assembling the capsid structure; the envelope is a host-derived lipid membrane modified with viral proteins; glycoprotein spikes mediate specific viral binding to host cell surface receptors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the whole protein coat structure versus its individual sub-units
The overall protein shell is the Capsid, whereas the constituent protein monomers are Capsomeres.
Viruses assemble their outer protein shell (capsid) from repeating polypeptide subunits called capsomeres.
2
Determine the origin and nature of the viral outer membrane
The Viral Envelope is a phospholipid membrane derived from host cell plasma or organelle membranes during viral exit.
Viruses lack metabolic pathways to synthesize lipids independently and must acquire membrane envelopes from host cells.
3
Analyze host target binding structures
Glycoprotein Spikes extend from the surface to anchor the virus to specific host cell receptors.
Host tropism is determined by viral attachment proteins recognizing specific complementary cellular surface receptors.

Key Concept

Viral morphology is defined by a nucleic acid genome surrounded by a protein capsid composed of capsomeres, with some viruses possessing an outer host-derived lipid envelope bearing viral spikes.
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Topics

Viruses: Structure and Characteristics

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