EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -A virus is made up of a DNA or RNA genome inside a protein shell called a capsid. Some viruses have an external membrane envelope. Viruses are very diverse. They come in different shapes and structures, have different kinds of genomes, and infect different hosts.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -Each virus possesses a protein capsid to protect its nucleic acid genome from the harsh environment. Virus capsids predominantly come in two shapes: helical and icosahedral. The helix (plural: helices) is a spiral shape that curves cylindrically around an axis.

Detailed explanation-4: -A capsid is the protein shell of a virus, enclosing its genetic material. It consists of several oligomeric (repeating) structural subunits made of protein called protomers.

Detailed explanation-5: -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.