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Difficulty: EasyViruses: Structure and Characteristics

Match each structural component of a virus on the left with its corresponding chemical composition or biological function on the right.

  • CapsidProtein coat enclosing and protecting the viral nucleic acid
  • Genetic coreDNA or RNA molecule carrying the hereditary instructions of the virus
  • EnvelopeLipid membrane derived from host cell membranes during budding
  • Tail fibersProtein appendages used for specific attachment to host bacterial cell receptors

Answer

Capsid matches with the protein coat enclosing the nucleic acid; Genetic core matches with DNA or RNA carrying hereditary instructions; Envelope matches with lipid membrane derived from host cell; Tail fibers match with protein appendages for host receptor attachment.
Each viral component serves a specific structural or biochemical role: Capsid protects genetic material via a protein coat; Genetic core contains DNA or RNA genome; Envelope is host-derived lipid bilayer; Tail fibers facilitate target cell attachment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary protective layer of a virus
The capsid is composed of capsomeres (proteins) and surrounds the nucleic acid core.
Proteins form the outer structural coat of all non-enveloped and enveloped viruses.
2
Identify the nucleic acid component
The genetic core consists of either single-stranded or double-stranded DNA or RNA.
Viruses possess a single type of nucleic acid carrying their genetic code.
3
Identify the lipid-containing structure
The viral envelope consists of lipids acquired from host cellular membranes.
Enveloped viruses exit host cells by budding, picking up host membrane lipids.
4
Identify the host attachment apparatus
Tail fibers function in host cell recognition and anchoring.
Bacteriophage tail fibers bind specifically to bacterial cell wall receptors.

Key Concept

Structural organization and chemical composition of viral components
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Topics

Viruses: Structure and Characteristics

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