List and describe the structural components of viruses?

Answer 1

Infectious particles consisting of nucleic acid encased in a protein coat and, in some cases, a membranous envelope. The smallest viruses are only 20 nm in diameter. The genome of viruses may consist of double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, double-stranded RNA, or single-stranded RNA, depending on the kind of virus. Lack the enzymes for metabolism and the ribosomes for protein synthesis. Identify host cell (needed for reproduction) by a lock and key type system of outer proteins.

Answer 2

Bacteriophages:

They have head and tail. Head has nucleic acid core surrounded by capsid.

Capsid - The outer protein coat surrounding nucleic acids

Capsomeres - Capsid is made up of these capsomeres.

Protomers- Capsomeres are made of these protomers.

Tail has Contractile sheath, Baseplate and tail fibers.

Plant and animal viruses:

They are also similar to bacteriophages and they have central core of nucleic acid surrounded by capsid. Nucleic acid and capsid is together called as nucleocapsid.

In certain animal viruses, the nucleocapsids are surrounded by envelopes which are made of lipo proteins. On the absence of envelope the viruses are called as naked virions. The viruses with the envelopes are sensitive to lipid solvents such as ether and chloroform. Naked virions are not sensitive to lipid solvents.

Answer 3

virus is submicroscopic molecule which contain caps id as protective coat and some virus contain an outer membrane derived from the host cell

so virus contain nucleic acid ,

caps id and an outer membrane

Answer 4

1. Capsid: Protein coat that surrounds the viral genetic material.
2. Envelope: Lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane that surrounds some viruses.
3. Genetic material: Either DNA or RNA that contains the viral instructions for replication.
4. Spike proteins: Surface proteins that help viruses attach to and infect host cells.