Fusion

Definition

Fusion is the process by which a virus merges its envelope with the host cell membrane to deliver its genetic material into the cell. This is a critical initial step for many viral infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fusion typically occurs at the plasma membrane or within endosomes after endocytosis.
2. Many enveloped viruses, such as HIV and influenza, utilize fusion to enter host cells.
3. Fusion proteins on the viral envelope facilitate this merging process by undergoing conformational changes.
4. The pH level of the environment can trigger or inhibit fusion, influencing viral entry success.
5. Inhibitors targeting fusion proteins are a strategy for antiviral drug development.

Review Questions

• What role do fusion proteins play in viral entry?
• How does pH influence the fusion process during viral infection?
• Which types of viruses commonly use fusion to infect host cells?

Related terms

Endocytosis:

A cellular process in which substances are brought into the cell by engulfing them in a vesicle.

Envelope:

A lipid bilayer that surrounds some viruses and contains proteins essential for viral entry.

Conformational Change:

A structural change in a protein that impacts its function, often seen in fusion proteins during virus entry.