Final answer:
The statement is true; the capsid or envelope plays a role in the penetration of the nucleic acid of viruses into the host cell, with methods including endocytosis or direct fusion with the host cell membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the capsid or envelope assists in the penetration of viral nucleic acid into the host cell is true. Viruses may enter a host cell in several ways, depending on the type of virus. For instance, the nucleic acid of bacteriophages enters the host cell , leaving the capsid outside. Yet, plant and animal viruses can enter through endocytosis, where the cell membrane engulfs the entire virus, or through fusion if the virus is enveloped. After entering, the viral capsid degrades and the viral nucleic acid is released, starting replication and transcription within the host cell. Furthermore, it's important to note that glycoproteins on some viruses, such as HIV, play a crucial role in attachment to the host cell, making viruses more efficient in their invasion process.