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Viral Structure

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 Packaging

DNA Packaging

Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes

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.

What are Viruses?

What are Viruses?

Chromatin Packaging

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base pairs of DNA. Each base pair is 0.34 nm long, meaning each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. This long DNA strand is packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10-20 microns in diameter with the help of specialized DNA-binding proteins called histones. Together they form a compact DNA-protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin is further compacted into higher-order structures. The highest level of compaction is achieved during...

Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria

Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria

Intracellular bacteria and viruses often comprise a group of highly infectious pathogens that can cause several diseases. Bacterial pathogens include those belonging to the genus Rickettsia responsible for conditions such as rocky mountain spotted fever and the Mediterranean spotted fever; Chlamydia, a genus responsible for a sexually transmitted disease; Coxiella burnetii, an agent responsible for Q fever. Viral pathogens include vaccinia—a poxvirus, and herpes simplex virus—a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2025

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

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

Published on: July 27, 2021

Nucleic Acid Packaging in Viruses.

María I Daudén¹, Mar Pérez-Ruiz², José L Carrascosa³

¹Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.

Sub-Cellular Biochemistry

|December 31, 2024

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Viruses package their genetic material using two main strategies: co-assembly or motor-driven translocation into a pre-formed shell. This process involves highly condensed nucleic acid arrangement within the viral capsid.

Keywords:

Bacteriophage Capsid Cryogenic electron microscopy DNA Ejection Encapsidation Helical symmetry Icosahedral symmetry Maturation Molecular motor Nucleocapsid Packaging Portal RNA Shell Terminase Virus X-ray diffraction

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Last Updated: May 7, 2025

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

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

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

Published on: March 1, 2012

Preparation of Viral DNA from Nucleocapsids

Preparation of Viral DNA from Nucleocapsids

Published on: August 16, 2011

Area of Science:

Virology
Structural Biology
Biophysics

Background:

Viruses protect their genetic material within a protein shell called a capsid.
Genome packaging is essential for viral replication and infectivity.
Understanding viral genome packaging provides insights into molecular mechanisms of biological machines.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of viral genome packaging strategies.
To discuss specific virus models and their protein structures involved in packaging.
To explore the biophysics underlying viral genome packaging mechanisms.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on viral genome packaging.
Structural analysis of key viral proteins.
Biophysical modeling of genome translocation and condensation.

Main Results:

Identification of two primary genome packaging strategies: co-assembly and procapsid motor-driven packaging.
Detailed presentation of protein structures involved in selected viral systems.
Discussion of the physical principles governing nucleic acid condensation and confinement within capsids.

Conclusions:

Viral genome packaging is a complex process involving diverse strategies and intricate molecular machinery.
The study highlights the importance of protein structure and biophysics in understanding viral assembly.
Further research into these mechanisms can inform antiviral strategies and nanotechnology applications.