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Virus | Definition, Structure, & Facts | Britannica
2024年12月26日 · Virus, infectious agent of small size and simple composition that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria. Viruses possess unique infective properties and thus often cause disease in host organisms. Learn about the history, types, and features of …
Structure and features of viruses | Britannica
virus, Microscopic, simple infectious agent that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria. Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and consist of a single- or double-stranded nucleic acid (DNA or RNA ) surrounded by a protein shell called a capsid; some viruses also have an outer envelope composed of lipid s and proteins.
Virion | Capsid, Envelope & Nucleic Acid | Britannica
Virion, an entire virus particle, consisting of an outer protein shell called a capsid and an inner core of nucleic acid (either ribonucleic or deoxyribonucleic acid—RNA or DNA). The core confers infectivity, and the capsid provides specificity to the virus.
Virus - Structure, Capsid, Genome | Britannica
2024年12月26日 · Virus - Structure, Capsid, Genome: The amount and arrangement of the proteins and nucleic acid of viruses determine their size and shape. The nucleic acid and proteins of each class of viruses assemble themselves into …
Coronavirus | Definition, Features, & Examples | Britannica
Coronaviruses have enveloped virions (virus particles) that measure approximately 120 nm (1 nm = 10 −9 metre) in diameter. Club-shaped glycoprotein spikes in the envelope give the viruses a crownlike, or coronal, appearance.
Icosahedral virus | Britannica
Other articles where icosahedral virus is discussed: virion: Many virions are spheroidal—actually icosahedral—the capsid having 20 triangular faces, with regularly arranged units called capsomeres, two to five or more along each side; and the nucleic acid is densely coiled within.
virus - Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
A virus consists of a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid; some viruses also have an outer envelope composed of fatty materials and proteins. The nucleic-acid core is the essential part of the virus—it carries the virus’s genes.
virus - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
The copies that a virus makes of itself are called virions. These virions can leave the original cell and infect other cells. Viruses also can live in bacteria, which are living things made up of only one cell.
Viral vector | Description, Types, & Applications | Britannica
viral vector, in molecular biology, a tool used to deliver genetic material to cells. Viruses are useful delivery tools, owing to their efficiency in locating and entering target cells. In addition, they are generally safe to use, because all viral genes are taken out and the remaining vector is then modified to transport and deliver only the specific genetic material of interest.
Bacteriophage | Definition, Life Cycle, & Research | Britannica
2025年1月11日 · Study how bacteriophages replicate by injecting nucleic acid into a bacteria cell to create virions The cycle of infection results in the death of the host cell and the release of many virus particles, called virions.