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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.
The Nucleosome Core Particle02:10

The Nucleosome Core Particle

Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
The Nucleosome Core Particle01:12

The Nucleosome Core Particle

Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
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...
Herpes01:28

Herpes

Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Structure of HIV-1 Capsid Assemblies by Cryo-electron Microscopy and Iterative Helical Real-space Reconstruction
12:38

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

Published on: August 9, 2011

Three-dimensional structure of the HSV1 nucleocapsid.

J D Schrag1, B V Prasad, F J Rixon

  • 1University of Arizona, Department of Biochemistry, Tucson 85721.

Cell
|February 24, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Computer analysis revealed the three-dimensional structures of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV1) full and empty capsids. The full capsid has three layers, with genomic DNA inside a T=4 shell, and channels connecting DNA to the exterior.

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Advancing High-Resolution Imaging of Virus Assemblies in Liquid and Ice
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Advancing High-Resolution Imaging of Virus Assemblies in Liquid and Ice

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Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

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

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Advancing High-Resolution Imaging of Virus Assemblies in Liquid and Ice
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Advancing High-Resolution Imaging of Virus Assemblies in Liquid and Ice

Published on: July 20, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Structural biology
  • Virology
  • Cryo-electron microscopy

Background:

  • Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV1) is a significant human pathogen.
  • Understanding HSV1 capsid structure is crucial for antiviral drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the three-dimensional structures of full and empty HSV1 capsids.
  • To elucidate the organization of HSV1 capsid layers and DNA packaging.

Main Methods:

  • Low dose cryo-electron imaging of ice-embedded HSV1 capsids.
  • Computer analysis of electron microscopy data.
  • Analysis of icosahedral symmetry (T=16 and T=4).

Main Results:

  • The full HSV1 capsid comprises outer, intermediate, and inner layers; the empty capsid has a single outer layer.
  • The outer layer exhibits T=16 icosahedral symmetry, while the intermediate layer lies on a T=4 lattice.
  • Genomic DNA is located within the T=4 shell, forming the innermost layer, with channels connecting DNA to the exterior.

Conclusions:

  • The HSV1 capsid structure is highly organized with distinct layers and symmetry.
  • A direct pathway exists between the encapsulated DNA and the external environment, potentially relevant for viral DNA transport.