7.8: Virus Structures - Biology LibreTexts
Structure of Viruses. Viruses vary in their structure. A virus particle consists of DNA or RNA within a protective protein coat called a capsid. The shape of the capsid may vary from one type of virus to another. The capsid is made from the proteins that …
Structure and Classification of Viruses - Medical Microbiology
General Concepts. Structure and Function. Viruses are small obligate intracellular parasites, which by definition contain either a RNA or DNA genome surrounded by a protective, virus-coded protein coat. Viruses may be viewed as mobile genetic elements, most probably of cellular origin and characterized by a long co-evolution of virus and host.
Virus: Parts and Structure with Characteristics and Diagram
Feb 2, 2023 · A typical virus consists of two basic parts: 1) nucleic acid genome and 2) protein capsid – together called the nucleocapsid. Besides these, many animal viruses also contain 3) lipid envelope along with some additional parts such as the neck, tail sheath, tail fibers, pins, and endplate to form a complete virion.
Virus - Definition, Structure, Classification, Examples | Biology ...
Aug 25, 2018 · A virus is a chain of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) which lives in a host cell, uses parts of the cellular machinery to reproduce, and releases the replicated nucleic acid chains to infect more cells.
Virus | Definition, Structure, & Facts | Britannica
Oct 10, 2024 · Virus, infectious agent of small size and simple composition that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria. Viruses possess unique infective properties and thus often cause disease in host organisms. Learn about the history, types, and features of viruses.
Introduction to Viruses – General Microbiology
Virus Structure. Viral nucleocapsids come in two basic shapes, although the overall appearance of a virus can be altered by the presence of an envelope, if present. Helical viruses have an elongated tube-like structure, with the capsomers arranged helically around the coiled genome.
10.3: Viral Structure - Biology LibreTexts
Aug 31, 2023 · Viruses possess either DNA or RNA as their genome. The genome is typically surrounded by a protein shell called a capsid composed of protein subunits called capsomeres. Some viruses consist of no more than a genome surrounded by a capsid and are called nucleocapsid or naked viruses.
Virus: Structure, Types and Function - Microbiology Notes
Jul 24, 2021 · General Structural Properties of viruses. Virions can be extraordinarily tiny (about 20 nm in diameter) to about the same size as a rod-shaped bacterial cell (1.5 × 0.5 μm). The smallest are a little larger than ribosomes, whereas mimiviruses, among the largest viruses known, can be seen in the light microscope.
Structure and features of viruses | Britannica
The two main classes are RNA viruses and DNA viruses. Outside of a living cell, a virus is an inactive particle, but within an appropriate host cell it becomes active, capable of taking over the cell’s metabolic machinery for the production of new virus particles (virions).
Viral structure and functions: Video, Causes, & Meaning - Osmosis
A virion consists of a protein coat, called a capsid, surrounding a nucleic acid core which contains the genetic material or the viral genome. The nucleic acid and the capsid are collectively called a nucleocapsid. Some virions have a phospholipid membrane derived from the host cell, called an envelope which surrounds the nucleocapsid.