VIRUS PARTICLE Meaning and
Definition
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A virus particle, also known as a virion, refers to the complete infectious unit of a virus that is capable of initiating an infection in a host organism. It is a non-living particle consisting of genetic material enveloped by a protein coat, and potentially an additional lipid envelope. Virus particles are the result of the replication process and assembly of a virus within a host cell.
The central component of a virus particle is its genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA, depending on the specific virus. This genetic material contains all the necessary instructions for the virus to invade and hijack host cells, and subsequently replicate itself. It acts as the blueprint for the production of new viruses.
Surrounding the genetic material is a protein coat, known as a capsid, which provides protection and stability to the virus particle. The capsid is made up of repeating protein subunits called capsomeres, which give the virus its characteristic shape, such as the helical or icosahedral forms.
Some viruses possess an additional lipid envelope that surrounds the capsid. This envelope is derived from the host cell's membrane during the virus's exit from the infected cell. Embedded within this envelope are viral proteins, including glycoproteins, which play a crucial role in viral attachment and entry into new host cells.
Virus particles are typically extremely small, ranging in size from 20 to 400 nanometers, and are not visible to the naked eye. They can only be observed using sophisticated scientific techniques such as electron microscopy.
Common Misspellings for VIRUS PARTICLE
- cirus particle
- birus particle
- girus particle
- firus particle
- vurus particle
- vjrus particle
- vkrus particle
- vorus particle
- v9rus particle
- v8rus particle
- vieus particle
- vidus particle
- vifus particle
- vitus particle
- vi5us particle
- vi4us particle
- virys particle
- virhs particle
- virjs particle
- viris particle
Etymology of VIRUS PARTICLE
The word "virus" has its origin in Latin, where it means "poison" or "noxious liquid". It was first used in English in the late 14th century to refer to a venomous substance. The modern meaning of "virus" as a biological agent causing infectious disease emerged in the late 19th century.
The term "particle" comes from the Latin word "particula", meaning "small part" or "portion". It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe a minute or tiny piece of matter.
The combination "virus particle" is a scientific term used to describe an individual unit of a virus, which is capable of infecting a host organism and replicating within it. The word "particle" is added to emphasize the small, discrete nature of a virus unit.
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