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A capsid is the protein shell of a virus. It consists of several oligomeric 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. The capsid encloses the genetic material of the virus.

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What is the host range of a virus?

protein shell


What structure is most similar to the protein shell in a virus?

A protein shell in a virus is most similar in structure to a capsid, which is a protein shell that encloses the genetic material of a virus. Capsids provide protection to the viral genetic material and help in the process of host cell infection.


The outside shell of a virus is called what?

Made of protein and called a capsid.


What is the outside shell of a virus is called what?

Made of protein and called a capsid.


What is bacteriophage capsid?

Correct. For APEX it is, A protective shell around a virus.


What is a caspid'?

The protein coat or shell of a virus particle, surrounding the nucleic acid or nucleoprotein core


A viral capsid is composed of?

it is composed of individual morphological units called capsomers.


Can a smaller virus affect a bigger virus?

No because a virus is simply genetic material coated in a protein shell. Internally, viruses do not have the components, which are commonly found in cells, necessary to propagate "offspring."


How do a viruses protein coat help a virus?

It's like a shield and a cover. The protein shell protects the DNA codes inside the virus from being exposed to the immune system, and when the virus attacks, the protein shell opens up, and injects a string of DNA codes into the infected cell. If there were not protein coats to protect viruses then it will literally die in seconds after entering the host's system. The virus tries to match the recognition glycoprotein on the outside of the cell it is trying to invade, for docking purposes, or for entry purposes. Generally the membrane that covers this type of virus was taken from a cell it lysed on exit.


What surrounds the DNA of a virus?

The DNA of a virus is surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid, which helps protect the genetic material. Some viruses may also have an outer envelope made of lipids and proteins that further protect the virus.


Can a virus catch a virus and become ill?

No, a virus cannot catch a virus and become ill. A virus is a shell of protein containing DNA. A virus works by getting into a cell and "reprogramming it" to multiply and start to take of the organism. A virus cannot infect another virus because viruses are not cells themselves.


What is the protein coat the surrounds a virus call?

The protein coat surrounding the nucleic acid of a virus is called the capsid. These are broadly classified according to their structures. Helical (cylindrical) and icosahedral (spherical) are the most common types.