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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...
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...
Viruses of Archaea01:29

Viruses of Archaea

Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
09:08

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Published on: July 27, 2021

The basic architecture of viruses.

José R Castón1, José L Carrascosa

  • 1Department of Macromolecular Structure, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CSIC), c/Darwin 3, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain, jrcaston@cnb.csic.es.

Sub-Cellular Biochemistry
|June 6, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Viruses efficiently build infectious particles using limited components, relying on symmetry and flexibility. Studying viral structures reveals fundamental principles applicable to other biological complexes.

Area of Science:

  • Structural Biology
  • Virology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Viruses are highly economical macromolecular assemblies, utilizing minimal genomic resources and few protein components.
  • Viral structure relies on symmetry (icosahedral, helical) and conformational flexibility of capsid subunits.
  • Understanding viral structure is crucial for deciphering virus-host interactions and developing antiviral strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the principles of viral capsid assembly and structure-function relationships.
  • To highlight the role of symmetry and flexibility in viral particle formation.
  • To underscore the broader implications of viral structural studies for other biological systems.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of diverse viral structures through electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography.

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

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Simple and Robust in vivo and in vitro Approach for Studying Virus Assembly
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Simple and Robust in vivo and in vitro Approach for Studying Virus Assembly

Published on: March 1, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
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Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Published on: July 27, 2021

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

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Simple and Robust in vivo and in vitro Approach for Studying Virus Assembly
09:47

Simple and Robust in vivo and in vitro Approach for Studying Virus Assembly

Published on: March 1, 2012

  • Computational modeling to understand protein-protein interactions and conformational dynamics.
  • Comparative genomics to trace the evolution of viral structural motifs.

    • Main Results:

    • Identified two major types of viral symmetric assemblies: icosahedral and helical.
    • Demonstrated that viral capsids are dynamic structures with inherent protein polymorphism.
    • Showcased how limited subunits and symmetry principles enable efficient particle formation.

    Conclusions:

    • Viral structural organization exemplifies efficient design principles applicable to other macromolecular complexes.
    • The study of virus structures provides fundamental insights into morphogenesis and antigenicity.
    • Viral structural foundations offer a model for understanding complex biological machinery.