Why do cells have receptors that allow viruses to invade?

Rather than cells having receptors specific to viruses, cells have receptors specific to molecules it needs to acquire from outside the cell, such as glucose (needed for respiration). It is the viruses who adapt themselves to match one of these molecules to trick the cell into letting it enter. Viruses replicate so quickly that their rate of mutation is very high, which means they can relatively quickly change the shape of the site that binds to the receptor. This rate of change is faster than the mutation rate for a receptor, so even if a cell formed a new receptor to try prevent the virus from invading, the virus would be able to quickly adapt to this change.

ER
Answered by Emily R. Biology tutor

4291 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain active transport


What is a nephron?


Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) can cause plants to produce less chlorophyll. This causes leaf discoloration. Explain why plants with TMV have stunted growth.


Explain the Theory of Natural Selection


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning