Question

What are the two main structural parts of a virus?

Answer 1

A virus is a small microorganism that infects a cell called the host and directs the cell machinery to produce more viruses. Most viruses have either RNA or DNA as their genetic material and can replicate themselves only when inside a living organism.

Complete answer:
A virus is a submicroscopic agent that replicates itself when inside a host. When inside, a host cell is forced to rapidly-produce thousands of copies of the original virus. When not inside a host, viruses exist in the form of independent particles, which includes a genetic material, a protein coat and an outside envelope.

The two main structural parts of a virus are either DNA or RNA as the genetic code and a protein coat which protects the genetic code. Genetic material, genetic code or nucleic acids are large biomolecules important to its life. DNA and RNA are the two main classes of nucleic acids.

A protein coat is also known as a capsid house, the genome required to replicate the virus when inside the host. It is made up of protein units known as the capsomere and is enveloped by a lipid molecule.

Note: The shapes of viruses range from helical and icosahedral forms and most virions of viruses are too small to be seen with an optical microscope. Viruses can spread through a variety of ways like from plants, animals, hand-to-mouth contact and even air and water.