Some viruses attack cells by inserting their own DNA into the host cells' DNA. Why might it be simpler for these viruses to attack prokaryotic cells than eukaryotic cells?

Question

Connor Abernathy · Accepted Answer

The DNA in eukrayotic cells is much more protected than the DNA in prokaryotic cells

DNA in eukaryotic cells lies within the nucleus. This DNA has a membrane protecting it from the outside. This means that the virus will have a harder time at getting to the DNA to insert its own DNA into it.

Prokaryotic cells have their DNA loose within the cytoplasm. This DNA is not protected. The virus will have to pass only 1 membrane in order to get to this DNA.

Isabella Anderson · Answer

undefined Prokaryotic cells have a simpler genome organization than eukaryotic cells, which facilitates the integration of viral DNA into the host genome; additionally, prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, which makes it easier for viruses to access the host cell's DNA for insertion. These factors may make viruses more likely to attack prokaryotic cells than eukaryotic ones.