lipoprotein envelope
Quick Summary
A lipoprotein envelope is a membrane that surrounds certain viruses, composed of two layers of lipids interspersed with proteins. These viral membranes are derived from the host cell's membranes during a process called budding. While the lipids originate from the cell, viral proteins selectively incorporate specific lipids into the envelope. Integral glycoproteins within the envelope bind to host cell receptors, initiating viral infection, while peripheral matrix proteins help in selecting membrane regions for the viral envelope and facilitate cell entry. Lipoproteins, in general, are complexes of lipids and proteins that transport lipids throughout the body.12
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