Once inside a host cell, the virus exists solely as nucleic acids. A) True B) False
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the statement about a virus existing solely as nucleic acids inside a host cell is true or false. This involves understanding the structure and behavior of viruses after entering host cells.
Answer
True
The final answer is True
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is True
More Information
Once a virus enters a host cell, its protective protein coat, or capsid, usually disassembles. The viral nucleic acids, which can be either DNA or RNA, become the primary focus for replication and assembly of new viruses. Without the capsid, the virus does indeed exist solely as nucleic acids inside the host cell.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that viruses retain any of their structural components once inside the host cell. Remember that the capsid degrades upon entry.
Sources
- Micro ch 5 CC and Hw Flashcards - Quizlet - quizlet.com
- Virus Infections and Hosts | OpenStax Biology 2e - courses.lumenlearning.com
- Structure and Composition of Viruses - PMC - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
