Question

What is the function of the structural elements of a virus? What is the function of the structural elements of a virus? To package and protect the viral genome To provide a source of energy for the virus To use all of the cell proteins

Answer 1

The correct answer is: To package and protect the viral genome.

Explanation:

• Viruses are infectious particles comprising of two components:

1. An outer structural component called the Capsid.
2. The inner genetic material made of single stranded or double stranded RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) or DNA (Deoxyribonucelic Acid).

• The Capsid structure is made up of glycoproteins.
• These glycoproteins are encoded by genes present in the viral genome.
• The viruses are incapable of reproducing on its own.
• They infect the host cells and hijack their metabolic machinery which includes the protein synthesizing machinery and also utilize the raw materials of the host cells to produce the progeny virions which are then released out the host cells.
• The capsid structure is responsible for packaging the viral genome and protecting it from various degrading agents present in the external environment like nucleases.