Virology

I. Nature of Animal Viruses

A. Virus particles

are called virions.

are composed of either RNA or DNA that is encased in a protein coat called a capsid.

are either naked or enveloped, depending on whether the capsid is surrounded by a

lipoprotein envelope.

replicate only in living cells and therefore are obligate intracellular parasites.

cannot be observed with a light microscope.

The viral genome

o may be single-stranded or double-stranded, linear or circular, and segmented or
nonsegmented.
o is used as one criterion for viral classification.
o is associated with viral-specific enzymes, other proteins within the virion, or both.

The viral capsid

o is composed of structural units called capsomers, which are aggregates of viralspecific polypeptides.
o has a symmetry that is classified as helical, icosahedral (a 20-sided polygon), or
complex.
o is used as a criterion for viral classification.
o serves four functions:
o As protection of the viral genome
o As the site of receptors necessary for naked viruses to initiate infection
o As the stimulus for antibody production
o As the site of antigenic determinants important in some serologic tests

The viral nucleocapsid

o refers to the capsid and enclosed viral genome.
o is identical to the virion in naked viruses.
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The viral envelope

o surrounds the nucleocapsid of enveloped viruses.
o is composed of viral-specific glycoproteins and host-cellderived lipids and
lipoproteins.
o contains molecules that are necessary for enveloped viruses to initiate infection,
act as a stimulus for antibody production, and serve as antigens in serologic tests.
o is the basis of either sensitivity of a virus.