Before an animal cell's membrane fuses with a virus, the virus must first:
A) duplicate its DNA.
B) use enzymes of the plasma membrane to break down its capsid.
C) replicate itself to attack numerous sites of the plasma membrane.
D) extend its tail fibers to sense the plasma membrane of the host cell.
E) attach to a specific receptor on the plasma membrane of the host cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Viruses must first attach to specific receptors on the plasma membrane of the host cell before membrane fusion can occur. This specificity is crucial for the virus to infect the cell.

Before an Animal Cell's Membrane Fuses with a Virus, the Virus