Essentials of Biology
Essentials of Biology
4th Edition
ISBN: 9780078024221
Author: Sylvia S. Mader Dr., Michael Windelspecht
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 26, Problem S17.1BYB
Summary Introduction

To write:

The general structure of a virus.

Introduction:

Viruses are small, infectious particles which can multiply only inside a host. They are primarily made up of a viral genome surrounded by a protective protein coat.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The general structure of a virus can be best studied in the form of virions. A complete virus with all the components necessary for infection of a host is called a virion. They are acellular and are made up of a nucleic acid core surrounded by a protective protein coat called the capsid and an outer lipoproteinaceous envelop. These enveloped viruses have a set of glycoprotein based knob-like structures or extensions called the peplomers.

Essentials of Biology, Chapter 26, Problem S17.1BYB

A capsid is derived from the proteins coded by the viral genome and it is made up of the repetitive protein subunits called the capsomeres. A capsid exists in various forms like icosahedral, filamentous and head-like. It is also associated with certain glycoproteins. They help in recognition and binding to the host cells.

The viral genome is made up of a nucleocapsid enclosing the genetic material with proteins. These capsid proteins together with the viral nucleic acid are called the nucleocapsid. Majority of the viruses have RNA as the genetic material. Some viruses contain a layer or cluster of proteins between the capsid and the nucleoprotein called the viral tegument or the viral matrix helping in the replication of the virus.

Conclusion

Thus, viruses are highly infectious particle made up of a viral genome surrounded by a protein coat.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Alleles at the P locus control seed color. Plants which are pp have white seeds, white flowers and no pigment in vegetative parts. Plants which are P_ have black seeds, purple flowers and may have varying degrees of pigment on stems and leaves. Seed color can be assessed, visually, based on if the seed is white or not white A gene for mold resistance has been reported and we want to determine its inheritance and whether it is linked to P. For the purposes of this exercise, we will assume that resistance is controlled by a single locus M, and M_ plants are resistant and mm plants are susceptible.  Resistance can be measured, under greenhouse conditions, 2 weeks after planting, by injecting each seedling with a spore suspension. After two weeks, the seedlings can be rated as resistant or susceptible, based on whether or not tissue is actively sporulating. For this exercise we will use seed and data from the F10 generation of a recombinant inbred population produced using single seed…
Linkage in common bean Alleles at the P locus control seed color. Plants which are pp have white seeds, white flowers and no pigment in vegetative parts. Plants which are P_ have black seeds, purple flowers and may have varying degrees of pigment on stems and leaves. Seed color can be assessed, visually, based on if the seed is white or not white A gene for mold resistance has been reported and we want to determine its inheritance and whether it is linked to P. For the purposes of this exercise, we will assume that resistance is controlled by a single locus M, and M_ plants are resistant and mm plants are susceptible.  Resistance can be measured, under greenhouse conditions, 2 weeks after planting, by injecting each seedling with a spore suspension. After two weeks, the seedlings can be rated as resistant or susceptible, based on whether or not tissue is actively sporulating. For this exercise we will use seed and data from the F10 generation of a recombinant inbred population…
Alleles at the P locus control seed color. Plants which are pp have white seeds, white flowers and no pigment in vegetative parts. Plants which are P_ have black seeds, purple flowers and may have varying degrees of pigment on stems and leaves. Seed color can be assessed, visually, based on if the seed is white or not white A gene for mold resistance has been reported and we want to determine its inheritance and whether it is linked to P. For the purposes of this exercise, we will assume that resistance is controlled by a single locus M, and M_ plants are resistant and mm plants are susceptible.  Resistance can be measured, under greenhouse conditions, 2 weeks after planting, by injecting each seedling with a spore suspension. After two weeks, the seedlings can be rated as resistant or susceptible, based on whether or not tissue is actively sporulating. For this exercise we will use seed and data from the F10 generation of a recombinant inbred population produced using single seed…
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Text book image
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Text book image
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education
What Is A Virus ? ; Author: Peekaboo Kidz;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS7vsBgWszI;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY