Viral envelopes: Which lipid class predominates in the membranes that form the viral envelope derived from host cells?

Introduction / Context:
Enveloped viruses bud through host membranes, acquiring a lipid bilayer. Knowing its composition helps explain sensitivity to detergents, desiccation, and disinfectants.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Viral envelopes are derived from host plasma membrane or internal membranes.
• Typical eukaryotic membranes are composed mainly of phospholipids and cholesterol, with smaller fractions of glycolipids.
• Neutral fats (triacylglycerols) are storage lipids, not main bilayer components.

Concept / Approach:
The bilayer’s structural backbone is phospholipids, which form amphipathic sheets. Cholesterol modulates fluidity but is not listed among options. Therefore, the predominant lipid class is phospholipids.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the source of the envelope: host membrane. Recall membrane composition: mostly phospholipids with cholesterol. Exclude storage and minor lipid classes. Choose “phospholipids”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Basic cell biology consistently places phospholipids as the principal bilayer constituents across cell and viral envelopes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Glycolipids: Present but minor compared with phospholipids.
• Neutral fat: Not a bilayer structural lipid.
• All of these: Overstates contributions of non-structural lipids.
• Ceramides only: Too narrow; sphingolipids are not exclusive.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating storage lipids with membrane structure, or assuming all lipid classes contribute equally.

Final Answer:
phospholipids.