The general steps of the viral lifecycle are similar in most viruses. One major exception, however, is entry into the host cell. How does this step differ between an animal cell and E coli?
A) The entire virion is taken into an animal cell, but only the viral genome enters E coli.
B) The entire virion enters E coli, but only the nucleic acid is taken up by animal cells.
C) The virion fuses to the bacterial cell membrane of E coli, while the genome is injected into an animal cell.
D) The virion randomly attaches to E coli, but viral binding to a specific receptor is required for entry into animal cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The major difference in the entry step of the viral lifecycle between an animal cell and E. coli (a bacterium) is that in animal cells, the entire virion is often taken into the cell typically through endocytosis or membrane fusion, whereas in bacteria like E. coli, only the viral genome is introduced into the cell, usually through a mechanism where the virus injects its DNA or RNA directly into the bacterial cell, leaving the capsid outside.

The General Steps of the Viral Lifecycle Are Similar in Most