124k views
2 votes
How do viral envelopes contain molecules coded for by viral genes when they are derived from the host cell's plasma membrane?

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Enveloped viruses use a portion of the host cell's plasma membrane to form a viral envelope. This envelope contains proteins from both the viral and host genomes. Enveloped viruses enter cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis or fusion, and can exit the cell by budding.

Step-by-step explanation:

Enveloped viruses have the ability to surround themselves with a portion of the host cell's plasma membrane, which forms the viral envelope. The viral envelope contains proteins that are coded for by both the viral genome and the host genome. However, the lipid membrane and carbohydrates in the envelope come entirely from the host cell.

When enveloped viruses enter a cell, they can do so through receptor-mediated endocytosis or fusion. Fusion occurs with enveloped viruses and involves the viral envelope fusing with the host cell's plasma membrane, allowing the viral contents to enter the cell.

After viral replication and protein synthesis, enveloped animal viruses can exit the cell by budding, taking a piece of the host cell's plasma membrane with them. On the other hand, non-enveloped viruses are released from the host cell through lysis or apoptosis.