During which stage of the animal virus replication cycle does the virus insert its genetic material into the host cell?

• A. Release
• B. Penetration
• C. Attachment
• D. Assembly

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the stages of the animal virus replication cycle: Attachment, Penetration, Uncoating, Biosynthesis, Assembly, and Release.
2. Identify that during Attachment, the virus binds specifically to receptors on the host cell surface but does not yet enter the cell.
3. Recognize that Penetration is the stage where the virus actually enters the host cell, often by fusion or endocytosis.
4. Know that the insertion of viral genetic material into the host cell occurs during or immediately after Penetration, as the viral genome is delivered inside the host.
5. Differentiate this from Assembly (where new viral particles are formed) and Release (where mature viruses exit the host cell).