Chapter 13, Problem 3CT

Which of the following highly contagious viruses is a single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus with a helical capsid and envelope and is transmitted by coming in contact with respiratory secretions? "This is a highly contagious respiratory illness transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes virus particles into the air," the health department said in a written statement. "It's so contagious that if one person is sick and spreading measles, nine out of 10 people around them who aren't immune will get it, too." Group of answer choices a. Measles b. Parvovirus c. Coxsackie virus A d. Rhinovirus

Rhinovirus, the most common cause of colds, do not have a lipid envelope. Compared to enveloped viruses these and other nonenveloped viruses tend to remain infectious outside the body longer, are more likely to be spread by contact with surfaces, and are likely to be rendered harmless by exposure to hand sanitizer or hand washing. Explain how the lack of an envelope could contribute to these characteristics.

Adenoviruses that cause colds do not have a lipid envelope. Such naked viruses tend to remain infectious outside the body for longer than enveloped viruses. Naked  viruses are also less likely to be destroyed by soap and water. Why are naked viruses hardier than enveloped viruses?