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?

1 Answer
Sep 24, 2017

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

Explanation:

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.

https://www.exploringnature.org/db/view/4632