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Which statement is true of viral replication? a. In the process of apoptosis, the cell survives. b. During attachment, the virus attaches at specific sites on the cell surface. c. The viral capsid helps the host cell produce more copies of the viral genome. d. mRNA works outside of the host cell to produce enzymes and proteins.

User Bli
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Final answer:

The true statement about viral replication is b. During attachment, the virus attaches at specific sites on the cell surface. This specificity in viral infection is crucial for the virus to enter and take over the host cell's machinery for its own replication.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the replicative cycle of a virus within a host cell, several key steps occur. One true statement regarding viral replication is b. During attachment, the virus attaches at specific sites on the cell surface. Viruses are host-specific and have evolved to recognize and bind to specific receptors on the membranes of their target cells. This specificity is mediated by viral proteins, such as glycoproteins, which interact with cell surface molecules. This initial binding is crucial for a virus to successfully enter and hijack the host cell's machinery for its replication. In contrast to the true statement, option a is incorrect because apoptosis leads to cell death and is a mechanism that can be triggered by viral infection. Option c is incorrect because the viral capsid's primary role is to protect the viral genome, not to help produce more copies of it. Finally, option d is incorrect as mRNA functions within the host cell to produce viral enzymes and proteins, not outside of it.

User Liudi Wijaya
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Final answer:

The true statement about viral replication is that during attachment, the virus attaches at specific sites on the cell surface, which is critical for the virus to infect the host cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

True Statement of Viral Replication

Viral replication is a complex process that involves several stages. Among the statements provided regarding the process, the true one is b. During attachment, the virus attaches at specific sites on the cell surface. This is because viruses are host-specific and can only attach to and infect cells of certain organisms using specific receptors on the host cell membrane. Options a, c, and d are incorrect because in apoptosis the cell does not survive, the viral capsid does not help the host cell produce more copies of the viral genome, and mRNA works inside the host cell, not outside, to produce enzymes and proteins.

User Robin Vessey
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