A naked virus __________  .


a. lacks a membranous envelope
b. has injected its DNA or RNA into a host cell
c. is devoid of capsomeres
d. is one that is unattached to a host cell

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'naked virus' in virology. A naked virus refers to a virus that does not have an outer lipid membrane, also known as an envelope.
2. Recall that viruses can be classified as either enveloped or non-enveloped (naked) based on the presence or absence of this lipid envelope.
3. Recognize that the capsid, made of protein subunits called capsomeres, is always present in viruses, including naked viruses, so option c is incorrect.
4. Note that the term 'naked virus' does not refer to whether the virus has injected its genetic material into a host cell, so option b is not the defining feature.
5. Conclude that the correct understanding is that a naked virus lacks a membranous envelope, which corresponds to option a.

Key Concepts

Structure of a Naked Virus

A naked virus is a virus that lacks a lipid membranous envelope and consists only of a nucleic acid genome enclosed within a protein coat called a capsid. This structure makes it more resistant to environmental conditions compared to enveloped viruses.

Viral Capsid and Capsomeres

The capsid is the protein shell of a virus, made up of subunits called capsomeres. These capsomeres protect the viral genetic material and aid in attachment to host cells. Naked viruses always have capsomeres forming their capsid.

Virus-Host Cell Interaction

Viruses infect host cells by attaching and injecting their genetic material, but a naked virus is defined by its structure, not by whether it has injected its DNA or RNA. The term 'naked' refers to the absence of an envelope, not the infection status.