Biology – Cells as the basic units of living organisms | e-Consult
Cells as the basic units of living organisms (1 questions)
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Viruses without an envelope (naked viruses): These viruses consist only of a protein capsid enclosing the nucleic acid core.
Viruses with an envelope (enveloped viruses): These viruses have a protein capsid surrounded by an outer lipid envelope. The envelope is derived from the host cell membrane during viral budding.
Here's a comparison:
| Feature | Naked Virus | Enveloped Virus | |
| Structure | Capsid only | Capsid + Lipid Envelope | |
| Stability in environment | Less stable; susceptible to degradation | More stable; protected from enzymes | |
| Attachment to host cell | Relies on capsid proteins for attachment | Envelope glycoproteins mediate attachment | |
| Infection | Direct entry into host cell | Can fuse with host cell membrane for entry |
Advantages and Disadvantages:
- Naked Viruses: Advantages include simplicity and ease of replication. Disadvantages include lower stability outside the host cell and reliance on specific capsid proteins for attachment.
- Enveloped Viruses: Advantages include greater stability and the ability to fuse with the host cell membrane, facilitating entry. Disadvantages include potential sensitivity to detergents and disinfectants that can disrupt the lipid envelope.