Understanding Enveloped Viruses: Structure, Function, and Infection Process

contains nucleocapsid, glycoproteins, and envelope (phospholipid bilayer) entire virion enters enters animal cell during infection

The structure you are describing is that of a enveloped virus

The structure you are describing is that of a enveloped virus. Enveloped viruses are a type of virus that possess an additional outer layer called an envelope, which is a phospholipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane. This envelope is distinct from the internal nucleocapsid of the virus.

The nucleocapsid is the core of the virus and consists of the viral genome (either DNA or RNA) and associated proteins known as capsid proteins. The nucleocapsid is responsible for protecting the viral genetic material during transmission from host to host.

Glycoproteins are proteins that have carbohydrate molecules attached to them. In enveloped viruses, these glycoproteins are embedded in the envelope, protruding outwards. They play several important roles in the viral life cycle. First, they are involved in binding to specific receptors on the surface of the host cell, allowing the virus to attach and enter the host cell. Second, they play a role in the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane during the process of viral entry. Third, they can also act as antigens, stimulating the immune response of the host organism.

During the infection process of an enveloped virus, the entire virion (the complete infectious particle) enters the animal cell. The envelope allows the virus to fuse with the host cell membrane, resulting in the release of the nucleocapsid into the host cell’s cytoplasm. Once inside the host cell, the viral nucleic acid can take control of the cellular machinery to replicate and produce new virus particles.

Overall, the presence of the nucleocapsid, glycoproteins, and envelope are characteristic features of enveloped viruses, which have evolved to effectively infect animal cells and establish productive infections.

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