What is the term for the outer membrane found in some viruses?

The outer membrane found in some viruses is referred to as the envelope. This structure is derived from the host cell's membrane during the process of viral budding. The envelope helps protect the viral genetic material and can play a crucial role in the virus's ability to infect host cells, as it contains various proteins that assist in recognition and binding to host receptors.

The envelope is significant because it can influence the virus's infectivity and resistance to the host's immune response. Additionally, enveloped viruses are often more sensitive to environmental conditions and can be disrupted by certain disinfectants or detergents, which makes understanding this characteristic important in virology and infection control practices.