Question

At a minimum , all viruses are composed of

a.) Proteins
b.) Lipids
c.) Carbohydrates
d.) Nucleic acids

Answer 1

The correct statement about virus structure is that glycoproteins help the virus attach to the host cell. Viruses are composed of nucleic acids and a protein capsid made of capsomeres, but not all viruses have a lipid envelope.

Step-by-step explanation:

Viral structure is key to understanding how viruses function and infect host cells. At a minimum, all viruses are composed of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA, never both) and a protein coat called a capsid. The capsid consists of protein subunits known as capsomeres. However, not all viruses have a lipid envelope; those without it are referred to as viruses or nonenveloped viruses. In contrast, enveloped viruses have a lipid layer derived from the host cell's membrane. Furthermore, glycoproteins on the virus surface facilitate attachment to the host cell.

Regarding the provided options, statement (d) glycoproteins help the virus attach to the host cell is the correct statement about virus structure. While not all viruses are encased in a viral membrane, and they do not all contain DNA as their genetic material, glycoproteins are indeed crucial for the virus to bind to the host cell's surface receptors.