The Lipid Membrane That Surrounds the Nucleocapsid of Some Virus

Question

The lipid membrane that surrounds the nucleocapsid of some virus particles is called the:
A) matrix
B) tegument
C) capsid
D) envelope
E) glycoprotein

Accepted Answer

The lipid membrane that surrounds the nucleocapsid of some viruses is called the envelope, as it can be seen in viruses like the influenza virus or the herpesvirus. The matrix is the protein layer underneath the envelope, which may provide structural support for the virus. Tegument refers to the layer of proteins between the envelope and capsid of some viruses. The capsid is the protein shell that encloses the virus genome. Glycoproteins are surface molecules on the virus envelope that allow the virus to interact with host cells.