Final answer:
The stage of virus infection most dependent on host cell proteins is c. Synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stages of Virus Infection and Host Cell Dependence:
The question refers to the stage of virus infection that is most dependent on host cell proteins. When considering the options given, assembly, entry, and synthesis, the correct answer is c. Synthesis.
This stage is crucial as it involves the production of viral components such as proteins and nucleic acids, which are heavily reliant on the host's cellular machinery and enzymes. The synthesis requires host cell ribosomes for the translation of viral mRNA into proteins, as well as host cell nucleotides and enzymes for the replication of the viral genome.
The entry step of a virus infection, which involves the virus attaching to the host cell and introducing its nucleic acid into the host, is a critical initial step but does not rely on host cell proteins as heavily as the synthesis stage. The assembly stage is where the newly synthesized components are put together to form new virus particles, and while it does require host cell components, the synthesis stage is where host components are utilized most extensively.