What are TWO main roles of viral structural proteins?    Group of answer choicesTo assemble a stable protein shellTo direct the uncoating of host nucleic acidTo facilitate the formation of viral membranesTo initiate viral replication

The two main roles of viral structural proteins are:

1. To assemble a stable protein shell: The structural proteins of a virus are crucial for the assembly of its protein shell, also known as the capsid. This shell provides protection to the viral genome and helps in the delivery of the viral genome into the host cell.

2. To facilitate the formation of viral membranes: Some viruses, known as enveloped viruses, have an outer lipid membrane known as the viral envelope. The viral structural proteins play a key role in the formation of this envelope. They interact with the host cell's membrane system to facilitate the budding process, where the newly formed virus acquires its envelope.