Viral Particles

The process of infecting a cell, viruses exist in the form of independent particles. These viral particles, also known as virions. These are very small and only visible using the electron microscope. Virus particles consist of genetic material enclosed in a capsid. This can be used to categorise viruses: DNA viruses, RNA viruses (or) retroviruses. Animal viruses may have an outer phospholipid-based layer. Many viruses have special attachment proteins projecting from their capsid.

 

  • virions
  • protein coat: Capsid