What is the general structure of viruses?
virus summary Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and consist of a single- or double-stranded nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein shell called a capsid; some viruses also have an outer envelope composed of lipids and proteins. They vary in shape.
What are the structures that make up a virus particle?
A complete virus particle, known as a virion, consists of nucleic acid surrounded by a protective coat of protein called a capsid. These are formed from identical protein subunits called capsomeres. Viruses can have a lipid “envelope” derived from the host cell membrane.
What are the three basic structure of a virus?
All viruses contain nucleic acid, either DNA or RNA (but not both), and a protein coat, which encases the nucleic acid. Some viruses are also enclosed by an envelope of fat and protein molecules. In its infective form, outside the cell, a virus particle is called a virion.
What are the four main structures of a virus?
The structure of a virus
- A protective protein shell, or capsid.
- A nucleic acid genome made of DNA or RNA, tucked inside of the capsid.
- A layer of membrane called the envelope (some but not all viruses)
What is the basic characteristic of a virus?
They are acellular, that is, they contain no cytoplasm or cellular organelles. They carry out no metabolism on their own and must replicate using the host cell’s metabolic machinery. In other words, viruses don’t grow and divide. Instead, new viral components are synthesized and assembled within the infected host cell.
What are the two main structural parts of a virus?
The simplest virions consist of two basic components: nucleic acid (single- or double-stranded RNA or DNA) and a protein coat, the capsid, which functions as a shell to protect the viral genome from nucleases and which during infection attaches the virion to specific receptors exposed on the prospective host cell.
What do all viruses contain?
All true viruses contain nucleic acid—either DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid)—and protein. The nucleic acid encodes the genetic information unique for each virus. The infective, extracellular (outside the cell) form of a virus is called the virion.
What are the 5 characteristics of a virus?
These are: 1) attachment; 2) penetration; 3) uncoating; 4) replication; 5) assembly; 6)release. As shown in , the virus must first attach itself to the host cell. This is usually accomplished through special glycoprotiens on the exterior of the capsid, envelope or tail.
What are the general properties of a virus?
General Properties of Viruses
- Nucleic acid -contains 3-400 genes. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) -unique features.
- Capsid -The capsid accounts for most of the virion mass.
- Envelope -this is an amorphous structure composed of lipid, protein and carbohydrate which lies to the outside of the capsid.
- Spikes.
What is a basic characteristic of a virus quizlet?
-acellular, infectious particles. -obligate intracellular pathogen (only replicate within living host cells) virus components. capsid: outer protein coat, composed of protein subunits called capsomeres.
Does a virus have a nucleus?
Viruses do not have nuclei, organelles, or cytoplasm like cells do, and so they have no way to monitor or create change in their internal environment.
What are general characteristics of most viruses?
What are some basic characteristics of viruses?
Characteristics
- Non living structures.
- Non-cellular.
- Contain a protein coat called the capsid.
- Have a nucleic acid core containing DNA or RNA (one or the other – not both)
- Capable of reproducing only when inside a HOST cell.