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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.

Protein Complex Assembly

Protein Complex Assembly

Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...

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...

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...

What are Viruses?

What are Viruses?

Viral Recombination

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Structure of HIV-1 Capsid Assemblies by Cryo-electron Microscopy and Iterative Helical Real-space Reconstruction

Structure of HIV-1 Capsid Assemblies by Cryo-electron Microscopy and Iterative Helical Real-space Reconstruction

Published on: August 9, 2011

Viral capsids as self-assembling templates for new materials.

Michel T Dedeo¹, Daniel T Finley, Matthew B Francis

¹Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.

Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science

|October 18, 2011

Summary

Virus protein shells are versatile scaffolds for creating novel nanoscale materials. Researchers utilize their natural properties and chemical modifications for applications in electronics, catalysis, and drug delivery.

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Published on: May 9, 2014

Area of Science:

Biomaterials science
Nanotechnology
Structural biology

Background:

Virus-derived protein cages offer unique nanoscale building blocks.
Their self-assembling nature and stability are advantageous for material design.
Native functional groups and covalent modifications enable diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the use of viral protein shells as scaffolds for novel materials.
To highlight methods for functionalizing these protein structures.
To showcase the resulting organic-inorganic composites and their properties.

Main Methods:

Utilizing native amino acid functional groups for inorganic material deposition.
Covalently modifying protein monomers for specific functionalities.
Assembling modified proteins into ordered arrays.

Main Results:

Formation of organic-inorganic composites with tunable electronic, magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties.
Development of targeted delivery vehicles for drugs and imaging agents.
Creation of periodic chromophore arrays for light harvesting and photocatalysis.

Conclusions:

Viral protein shells are highly adaptable scaffolds for advanced material synthesis.
Their inherent properties (stability, multivalency) are key to their utility.
These bio-inspired materials hold promise for diverse technological applications.