Question

After the virus nucleocapsid is released from the vesicle into the host cell cytoplasm, what happens to the viral nucleic acid?

1) It is destroyed
2) It remains intact
3) The capsid protein is removed
4) The capsid protein becomes thicker

Answer 1

The viral nucleic acid is exposed when the capsid protein is removed after the nucleocapsid enters the host cell, allowing the virus to replicate and transcribe its genetic material.

Step-by-step explanation:

After the nucleocapsid is released from the vesicle into the host cell cytoplasm, the viral nucleic acid is released as a result of the degradation of the capsid protein. This exposes the viral genetic material, allowing it to be available for replication and transcription within the host cell's machinery. Therefore, the correct answer is 3) The capsid protein is removed, following which the viral nucleic acid can direct the synthesis of new virions and eventually take over the host cell's functions to produce more virus particles.