In enveloped viruses, where are the glycoproteins typically located?

• A. In the viral capsid
• B. Embedded in the lipid envelope
• C. In the host's nucleus
• D. In the cytosol

Answer: (B)

In enveloped viruses, the outer layer is a lipid envelope that the virus acquires from the host cell membrane during budding. Viral glycoproteins are inserted into this membrane and become embedded in the envelope, with their external domains projecting outward to bind receptors and their cytoplasmic tails anchored in the viral envelope. This placement allows the glycoproteins to mediate attachment and entry while the viral capsid remains inside the envelope. They are not located in the host nucleus or cytosol, nor are they part of the capsid itself.