Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Viral Structure

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.

Inhibitors Of Virion Release

Inhibitors Of Virion Release

Viral replication and dissemination rely on efficient mechanisms for host cell entry, genome replication, assembly, and release. Influenza viruses, such as types A and B, are negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses with a segmented genome, that depend on two critical surface glycoproteins to carry out these processes: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). HA initiates infection by binding to sialic acid residues on the surface of host epithelial cells, facilitating receptor-mediated...

Introduction to Virus

Introduction to Virus

Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, they can exhibit characteristics of life when infecting a host. Their defining feature is a nucleic acid core, composed of either DNA or RNA, encapsulated within a protein coat called a capsid. This simple structure allows them to invade host cells and use their machinery for replication efficiently.Viral Structure and...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Disinfection of Household Cutting Boards with a Microwave Oven.

Journal of food protection·2019

Same author

Cutting Boards of Plastic and Wood Contaminated Experimentally with Bacteria.

Journal of food protection·2019

Same author

Decontamination of Plastic and Wooden Cutting Boards for Kitchen Use.

Journal of food protection·2019

Same author

Epidemiology of Viral Foodborne Disease.

Journal of food protection·2019

Same author

Viral Foodborne Disease Agents of Concern.

Journal of food protection·2019

Same author

Isolation and Characterization of a Coliphage Specific for Escherichia coli 0157:H7.

Journal of food protection·2019

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Alternative In Vitro Methods for the Determination of Viral Capsid Structural Integrity

Alternative In Vitro Methods for the Determination of Viral Capsid Structural Integrity

Published on: November 16, 2017

Capsid and Infectivity in Virus Detection.

Dean O Cliver¹

¹Food Safety, University of California, VM:PHR, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA.

Food and Environmental Virology

|March 18, 2010

Summary

The viral capsid protects RNA and initiates infection, crucial for food and waterborne virus transmission. Its durable nature and properties aid in detecting infectivity changes and differentiating virus states.

Area of Science:

Virology
Food Safety
Environmental Health

Background:

Viral RNA analysis has advanced significantly.
The role of the viral capsid in transmission, particularly via food and water, is often underestimated.
Capsids are vital for protecting viral RNA outside the host and initiating infection upon host cell contact.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the critical importance of the viral capsid in the transmission of food and waterborne viruses.
To emphasize the protective and infection-initiating functions of viral capsids.
To explore the potential applications of capsid properties in viral detection and characterization.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on viral structure and function.
Analysis of capsid properties relevant to environmental stability and host interaction.

More Related Videos

Detection of Neutralization-sensitive Epitopes in Antigens Displayed on Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-Based Vaccines Using a Capture Assay

Detection of Neutralization-sensitive Epitopes in Antigens Displayed on Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-Based Vaccines Using a Capture Assay

Published on: February 10, 2022

Highly Sensitive Assay for Measurement of Arenavirus-cell Attachment

Highly Sensitive Assay for Measurement of Arenavirus-cell Attachment

Published on: March 2, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Alternative In Vitro Methods for the Determination of Viral Capsid Structural Integrity

Alternative In Vitro Methods for the Determination of Viral Capsid Structural Integrity

Published on: November 16, 2017

Detection of Neutralization-sensitive Epitopes in Antigens Displayed on Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-Based Vaccines Using a Capture Assay

Detection of Neutralization-sensitive Epitopes in Antigens Displayed on Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-Based Vaccines Using a Capture Assay

Published on: February 10, 2022

Highly Sensitive Assay for Measurement of Arenavirus-cell Attachment

Highly Sensitive Assay for Measurement of Arenavirus-cell Attachment

Published on: March 2, 2016

Discussion of potential diagnostic applications based on capsid characteristics.

Main Results:

Viral capsids are exceptionally durable, essential for survival in food and water environments.
Key capsid roles include RNA protection and infection initiation through receptor binding.
Capsid properties like antigenicity and isoelectric point can be leveraged for characterization.

Conclusions:

The viral capsid is a key factor in the transmission of viruses through food and water.
Understanding capsid durability and properties is crucial for assessing viral infectivity and developing detection methods.
Capsid analysis offers valuable insights for distinguishing between infectious and inactivated viruses in molecular diagnostics.