Which of the following statements about viruses is false?

• A. They can enter the host cell via endocytosis.
• B. They are known to colonize the surface of the skin.
• C. They have the ability of preventing apoptosis of infected host cells.
• D. They may enter host cells by fusing their viral envelopes with the host cell membrane.
• E. They may suppress the expression of MHC I molecules on host cells.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they must enter a host cell to replicate.
2. Recognize that viruses can enter host cells through various mechanisms, including endocytosis and fusion of their viral envelope with the host cell membrane.
3. Recall that viruses have evolved mechanisms to evade the host's immune response, such as suppressing the expression of MHC I molecules on host cells and preventing apoptosis of infected cells.
4. Consider the nature of viral infections: viruses typically do not colonize surfaces like bacteria do; they require living cells to replicate.
5. Identify the false statement by comparing it to known viral behaviors: viruses do not colonize the surface of the skin as they need to be inside host cells to replicate.