Influenza viruses enter the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The viruses are surrounded by a membrane that contains
Question:
Influenza viruses enter the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The viruses are surrounded by a membrane that contains a fusion protein, which is activated by the acidic pH in the endosome. Upon activation, the protein causes the viral membrane to fuse with cell membranes. An old folk remedy against flu recommends that one should spend a night in a horse’s stable. Odd as it may sound, there is a rational explanation for this advice. Air in stables ammonia (NH3) generated by bacteria in the horse’s urine. Sketch a diagram showing the pathway (in detail) by which flu virus enters cells, and speculate how NH3 may protect cells from virus infection.
Step by Step Answer:
Essential Cell Biology
ISBN: 9780393680362
5th Edition
Authors: Bruce Alberts, Karen Hopkin, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter