EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -The outer protein coat of a virus is known as the capsid. It consists of several oligomeric structural subunits made of a protein called protomers which cover the nucleic acid which is present in the virus and protects it when virus inserts itself into the host.

Detailed explanation-4: -A virus is an infectious microbe consisting of a segment of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.

Detailed explanation-5: -Viruses have a protein coat called capsid, that encloses their genetic material.