Final answer:
The statement that viruses with spikes usually enter host cells by endocytosis is true. This method of entering host cells protects the virus from white blood cells, as it allows the virus to be engulfed by the cell membrane in a vesicle, evading the host's immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Viruses with spikes can enter host cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis or by fusion. The statement that viruses with spikes usually enter host cells by endocytosis is true. Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a common strategy used by many enveloped viruses, such as influenza and HIV, where the virus binds to the host cell receptors via spikes. This method involves the cell membrane surrounding and engulfing the virus. An alternative entry strategy used by enveloped viruses is fusion, which involves special fusion proteins that cause the viral envelope to merge with the plasma membrane, releasing the viral genome into the cell cytoplasm.
One advantage of receptor-mediated endocytosis is that the virus is protected from recognition by white blood cells. Therefore, among the listed options, option b is correct: The virus is protected from recognition by white blood cells.