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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.
DNA Packaging00:58

DNA Packaging

Overview
DNA Packaging00:58

DNA Packaging

Overview
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...
Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes00:58

Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes

Eukaryotes have large genomes compared to prokaryotes. To fit their genomes into a cell, eukaryotic DNA is packaged extraordinarily tightly inside the nucleus. To achieve this, DNA is tightly wound around proteins called histones, which are packaged into nucleosomes that are joined by linker DNA and coil into chromatin fibers. Additional fibrous proteins further compact the chromatin, which is recognizable as chromosomes during certain phases of cell division.

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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

Nucleic acid packaging in viruses.

Ana Cuervo1, María I Daudén, José L Carrascosa

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

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

Viruses package their genetic material using two main strategies: co-assembly with capsid proteins or motor-driven genome translocation into pre-assembled shells. This process involves high-concentration nucleic acid condensation within the viral capsid.

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Last 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

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

Packaging HIV- or FIV-based Lentivector Expression Constructs & Transduction of VSV-G Pseudotyped Viral Particles
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Packaging HIV- or FIV-based Lentivector Expression Constructs & Transduction of VSV-G Pseudotyped Viral Particles

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Viruses encapsulate their genetic material within a protein shell called a capsid.
  • Genome packaging is crucial for viral infectivity and involves precise organization of viral nucleic acids.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of viral genome packaging strategies.
  • To discuss specific virus models with well-documented packaging mechanisms and protein structures.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on viral genome packaging.
  • Analysis of structural and biophysical data from specific viral systems.

Main Results:

  • Identification of two primary genome packaging strategies: co-assembly and motor-driven translocation.
  • Detailed examination of nucleic acid condensation within the capsid during packaging.
  • Case studies of viruses with extensively characterized packaging mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Viral genome packaging is a complex process essential for virus assembly.
  • Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into viral structure and function.
  • Specific viral models offer valuable frameworks for studying the biophysics of genome encapsulation.