Viral Envelopes. Bad or good?

Have you ever wondered what the viral envelope is meant for? Or whether it is more of a boon or a bane to the functions of viruses? This post is to help solve those mysteries and clear yoiur mind. We all know that these envelopes, that surround the viral capsid, are typically made out of portions from it's host cell membranes such asphospholipods and proteins, and often viral glycoproteins. You could say that viruses are very much like pirates, plundering their resources from their victims for their own benefits. But then again, it is the nature of many organisms, weakening others while strengthening themselves. However, today, I would like to get down to what we really want to know.

For one thing, viral envelopes help viruses to enter the host cells, and the glycoproteins on it's surface help to indentify and bind to specific receptor sites on the cell membranes. Thereafter, the viral envelope fuses with the cell membrane, leaving the capside and viral genome free to enter and infect. This is a pretty effective and logical strategy right?

Now, the average joe would probably think that besides it's useful role in binding to cell membranes, it would provides some further protection. But! Did you all know that this envelope makes the virus more susceptible to dessication, heat and detergents, amking the viruses easier to sterilize? Yes, in this case, viral envelopes can be more of a bane than a boon, folks. However, ultimately, whether the viral envelope is needed, depends on the goal of the virus. Does it wish to infect cells that badly? Or does it wish to be more protected? Take your time to think about it.