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What is the advantage to the virus if they have an envelope?

User Rubish
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The advantage is related to the protection of the genome. An envelope is responsible for protecting the genome while the virus travels between host cells. The envelope also plays a role in the infection, because it has glycoproteins in its surface to identify receptor sites on the host's cells. After the identification, the virus binds itself on the host's membrane.

User DanielQ
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