Question

why have the majority of viruses evolved to bind to a host surface receptor that serves an essential function in the host cell?

Answer 1

Viruses have evolved to bind to host surface receptors that serve essential functions in the host cell for their own replication.

Step-by-step explanation:

Many viruses use glycoproteins to attach to their host cells via molecules on the cell called viral receptors. The receptors that viruses use are molecules that are normally found on cell surfaces and have their own physiological functions. Viruses have evolved to make use of these essential molecules for their own replication. For example, HIV uses the CD4 molecule on T lymphocytes as one of its receptors.