Which sequence correctly lists the typical replication cycle steps for an enveloped virus?

• A. Attachment, entry, uncoating, genome replication and transcription, assembly, and release
• B. Attachment, uncoating, entry, genome replication, assembly, release
• C. Entry, attachment, uncoating, release, replication
• D. Attachment, entry, genome replication only, release

Answer: (A)

The sequence starts with the virus binding to host receptors (attachment), then entering the cell, followed by uncoating to release the genome. After the genome is exposed, replication and transcription produce viral genomes and mRNAs for viral proteins. Next, new viral components assemble into virions, and finally they are released from the cell, with enveloped viruses typically budding off and acquiring their envelope. This order—attachment, entry, uncoating, genome replication and transcription, assembly, release—best matches how enveloped viruses reproduce. The other options misplace steps or skip essential ones like uncoating or transcription.