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Related Concept Videos

Viral Structure00:56

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.
Introduction to Virus01:28

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...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
What are Viruses?00:50

What are Viruses?

Overview
Subviral Agents01:29

Subviral Agents

Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Averaging of Viral Envelope Glycoprotein Spikes from Electron Cryotomography Reconstructions using Jsubtomo
08:29

Averaging of Viral Envelope Glycoprotein Spikes from Electron Cryotomography Reconstructions using Jsubtomo

Published on: October 21, 2014

Principles of virus structural organization.

B V Venkataram Prasad1, Michael F Schmid

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. vprasad@bcm.tmc.edu

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|February 3, 2012
PubMed
Summary

This review explores viral capsid formation principles, from historical insights to modern structural studies. Understanding virus structure aids in developing effective antiviral strategies.

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Last Updated: May 25, 2026

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Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
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Correlative Light Electron Microscopy (CLEM) for Tracking and Imaging Viral Protein Associated Structures in Cryo-immobilized Cells
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Correlative Light Electron Microscopy (CLEM) for Tracking and Imaging Viral Protein Associated Structures in Cryo-immobilized Cells

Published on: September 7, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Structural biology
  • Virology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Viruses exhibit diverse sizes, shapes, and symmetries, posing fundamental questions about their structural organization and assembly.
  • Caspar and Klug's conceptualization laid the groundwork for understanding viral structure.
  • High-resolution techniques like X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have revolutionized viral structure determination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental principles governing viral capsid formation.
  • To highlight recent advancements in understanding viral structural organization.
  • To provide historical context for viral structure research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of high-resolution structural studies.
  • Analysis of X-ray crystallography data.
  • Examination of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) findings.

Main Results:

  • Structural studies have significantly advanced our understanding of viral organization principles.
  • Insights into viral assembly mechanisms have been elucidated.
  • The relationship between viral structure and function is increasingly understood.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding viral capsid formation is crucial for deciphering viral assembly and function.
  • Knowledge of viral structures provides a rational basis for designing antiviral therapies.
  • Continued structural studies promise further breakthroughs in virology and antiviral development.