Question

What makes up a viral capsid?

Answer 1

A virus is an example of nucleoproteins. Its genetic material is infectious, which can be either DNA or RNA but not both of them. The viral genome is enclosed by a protein covering called 'capsid'.

Complete answer:
Viruses are non-cellular organisms, which infect the host cells and kill them. The host cells might be living organisms, such as bacteria, plants, and animals. The infectious genetic material of the virus is surrounded by a protein covering, which is also known as 'capsid' or 'viral capsid'. They are mainly composed of proteins, which are also called 'capsid proteins' or 'viral coat proteins. After infection, the viral genome starts replicating itself in the host cell and new capsid units are synthesized. The capsids are self-assembled according to the length of nucleic acid.
The capsid is a protein shell, made up of protein subunits called 'capsomeres'. The capsomeres are composed of subunits called 'protomers' and are arranged in helical or polyhedral geometric forms. In some viruses, the capsid is surrounded by a lipoprotein envelope. The capsid protects the viral genome and introduces the infectious genome to the host cells.

Note:
-Viral capsids are mostly helical or icosahedral.
-There are a kind of viruses, which infect bacteria and are known as bacteriophages.
-It also causes diseases in plants and animals.
-Some examples of viral diseases in plants are mosaic formation, leaf rolling, curling and yellowing, stunted growth etc.
-In animals, viruses cause smallpox, mumps, influenza, AIDS etc.