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Related Concept Videos

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...
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.
What are Viruses?00:50

What are Viruses?

Overview
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...
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Structural Protein Function01:56

Structural Protein Function

Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity.  In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...

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Averaging of Viral Envelope Glycoprotein Spikes from Electron Cryotomography Reconstructions using Jsubtomo
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Introduction: the structural basis of virus function.

Mauricio G Mateu1

  • 1Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM) and Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c / Nicolás Cabrera 1, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain, mgarcia@cbm.uam.es.

Sub-Cellular Biochemistry
|June 6, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Viruses are dynamic nucleoprotein assemblies that multiply within cells and spread between organisms. Understanding virion structure and physical virology is key to deciphering virus function and infection cycles.

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Area of Science:

  • Structural Biology
  • Physical Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Viruses are dynamic nucleoprotein assemblies essential for cellular and organismal propagation.
  • Infectious virus particles (virions) are metastable, balancing genome protection with infection-driven structural changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an introductory overview of virion structure and function.
  • To summarize basic techniques in structural and physical virology.
  • To present structure-based descriptions of virus cycle stages involving virions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of structural and physical virology principles.
  • Overview of techniques for studying virus structure.
  • Structure-based analysis of viral lifecycle stages.

Main Results:

  • Detailed introduction to virion structure and its relation to viral function.
  • Summary of key methodologies in structural and physical virology.
  • Integrated view of virion involvement across different stages of the virus life cycle.

Conclusions:

  • This chapter serves as a foundational "road map" for understanding virus structure and physical biology.
  • It aims to interconnect diverse topics within the broader field of virology.
  • Facilitates a deeper comprehension of specialized subjects in subsequent chapters.