Which of the following lists the correct order of viral life cycle phases, starting with the first at the top?

• A. Attachment, penetration, uncoating, replication, assembly, release
• B. Replication, assembly, attachment, penetration, release, uncoating
• C. Uncoating, attachment, penetration, assembly, replication, release
• D. Penetration, attachment, replication, uncoating, assembly, release

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the viral life cycle phases and their sequence. The typical phases are: Attachment, Penetration, Uncoating, Replication, Assembly, and Release.
2. Step 2: Attachment is the first step where the virus binds to specific receptors on the host cell surface.
3. Step 3: Penetration follows attachment, where the virus or its genetic material enters the host cell.
4. Step 4: Uncoating occurs next, involving the removal of the viral capsid to release the viral genome inside the host cell.
5. Step 5: Replication is the process where the viral genome is copied, followed by Assembly where new viral particles are formed, and finally Release where new viruses exit the host cell to infect others.