The viral process of attaching to a host cell receptor prior to infecting the cell, is called .

The viral process of attaching to a host cell receptor prior to infecting the cell is called "Adsorption".

Here are the steps of how a virus infects a cell:

1. Adsorption: The virus attaches itself to specific receptors on the surface of the host cell. This is a highly specific interaction, much like a lock and key.

2. Penetration: The virus or its genetic material enters the host cell. This can occur through the process of endocytosis, where the cell membrane envelops the virus and brings it into the cell. Alternatively, the virus can fuse with the cell membrane to release its genetic material into the cell.

3. Uncoating: If the virus has been engulfed by the cell, the protein coat (capsid) surrounding the viral genome is removed, releasing the viral genetic material.

4. Replication: The viral genetic material uses the host cell's machinery to replicate itself. This involves the synthesis of viral mRNA from "early" genes (those genes that are transcribed prior to DNA replication), the synthesis of viral DNA, and then the synthesis of "late" genes (those genes transcribed after DNA replication has begun).

5. Assembly: New virus particles are assembled within the host cell.

6. Release: The newly formed viruses are released from the host cell, either by causing the cell to burst (lysis), or by budding off from the cell membrane. The viruses can then go on to infect other cells.