AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In the simpler viruses the virion consists of a single molecule of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat, the capsid; the capsid and its enclosed nucleic acid together constitute the nucleocapsid.

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: -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-4: -The protein coat which surrounds the genome (DNA or RNA molecules) of a virus is called the capsid. Capsid functions as a shell to protect the viral genome from degradative enzymes such as nucleases and also helps in the attachment of the virus to specific receptors exposed on the surface of their target host cells.