NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -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-3: -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. The observable 3-dimensional morphological subunits, which may or may not correspond to individual proteins, are called capsomeres.

Detailed explanation-4: -Viruses have several common characteristics: they are small, have DNA or RNA genomes, and are obligate intracellular parasites. The virus capsid functions to protect the nucleic acid from the environment, and some viruses surround their capsid with a membrane envelope.