For bacteriophages and animal viruses ________ is the step in the viral life cycle that determines host cell or tissue specificity.
A) attachment
B) penetration
C) synthesis
D) assembly

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Attachment is the step in the viral life cycle where the virus interacts with specific receptors on the surface of the host cell. This determines whether the virus can infect that particular cell or tissue. For example, bacteriophages attach to specific bacterial surface receptors, while animal viruses have a variety of receptor types depending on the host species and tissue they infect. Penetration, synthesis, and assembly occur after attachment and are not directly involved in determining host specificity.

For Bacteriophages and Animal Viruses ________ Is the Step in the Viral