All of the following are major differences between the entry of viruses into animal cells via membrane fusion and via endocytosis except which of these answers?

• A. During entry via endocytosis the virus enters the host cell within an endocytic vesicle.
• B. Non-enveloped viruses can only enter animal cells via endocytosis.
• C. During entry via membrane fusion the viral DNA is released into the cytoplasm in a step called uncoating.
• D. During entry via membrane fusion the viral envelope fuses with the host cell's membrane.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the two main mechanisms of viral entry into animal cells: membrane fusion and endocytosis.
2. Understand that during membrane fusion, the viral envelope directly fuses with the host cell membrane, allowing the viral contents to enter the cytoplasm.
3. Recognize that during endocytosis, the virus is engulfed by the host cell membrane, forming an endocytic vesicle that transports the virus into the cell.
4. Note that non-enveloped viruses typically enter cells via endocytosis because they lack a lipid envelope to fuse with the host cell membrane.
5. Determine which statement does not describe a difference between the two mechanisms: the release of viral DNA into the cytoplasm during uncoating is a step common to both processes after entry.