Understanding Coronaviruses and Their Structure

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, with COVID-19 being the newest member. These viruses cause respiratory diseases and have a genetic structure based on RNA, which helps in protein production. The viral envelope, made of lipids, protects the virus outside a host cell and aids in infection. Spike proteins on the virus surface allow it to latch onto host cells, facilitating infection. Coronaviruses cannot reproduce outside a living host.

What is the primary genetic material found in coronaviruses?

• Lipids

• DNA

• RNA

• Proteins

Which proteins are associated with the RNA in coronaviruses to help maintain their structure?

• Lipid proteins

• Envelope proteins

• Spike proteins

• Nucleoproteins

What is the primary function of the viral envelope in coronaviruses?

• To replicate the virus

• To protect the virus outside a host cell

• To produce proteins

• To give the virus its structure

What is the composition of the viral envelope in coronaviruses?

• Nucleic acids

• Proteins

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

What role do spike proteins play in coronaviruses?

• They allow the virus to attach to host cells

• They give the virus its genetic material

• They protect the virus outside the host

• They help the virus replicate

Why are coronaviruses unable to reproduce outside a living host?

• They lack a complete DNA structure

• They need host cell machinery to replicate

• They cannot survive without oxygen

• They require sunlight to thrive