AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -There are all sorts of virus shapes and sizes. However, all virus particles have a protein coat that surrounds and protects a nucleic acid genome. This protein coat is called a capsid, and the instructions for making the protein subunits of the capsid are encoded in the nucleic acid genome of the virus.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Viruses are made up of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. They are smaller than the smallest bacterium. Viruses consist of nucleic acid (genetic material) surrounded by a capsid (protein coat).

Detailed explanation-4: -A virus is made up of genetic material that is encased with a protective protein coat called the capsid. The capsid also helps the virus to infect host cells by binding to the host receptor proteins and releasing its genetic material.

Detailed explanation-5: -Fundamentally, the viral coat protein functions as protection for the genetic material inside the virus, and as an aid to infecting the host cell with virus DNA. Essentially, the coat protein (CP) is a link between the genetic material and infecting the host.