Question

The protein coat of the virus is called
A. Capsid
B. Cosmid
C. Capsomere
D. Chromophore

Answer 1

Hint: A virus consists of a genetic material core, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protective protein layer. Often, an extra spikey coat called the envelope covers this protective coat.

Complete step by step answer: A capsid, enclosing the genetic material, is the protein shell of a virus. It consists of multiple structural subunits consisting of protein called protomers that are oligomeric (repeating).
Capsid proteins or viral coat proteins (VCP) are considered the proteins that make up the capsid. The nucleocapsid is called the capsid and inner genome.
A cosmid is a type of hybrid plasmid that comprises a sequence of Lambda phage cos. They are commonly used in genetic engineering as a cloning vector. To build genomic libraries, cosmids can be used.
The capsomere is a capsid subunit, an outer protein covering that covers a virus's genetic material. To form the capsid, capsomeres self-assemble.
The component of a molecule responsible for its colour is a chromophore. The hue that our eyes see is the one that is not absorbed in visible light within a certain wavelength range.
Therefore from this we can say Capsid is a protective protein layer which surrounds the virus.
Hence option (A) is the correct answer.

Additional Information: The second major criterion for classifying viruses is the protein capsid. The capsid surrounds the virus and consists of a small number of subunits of protein known as capsomeres, typically associated with, or located around, virion nucleic acid.
There are two key types of protein capsid-based viruses:
- those in which a single (or segmented) linear nucleic acid molecule with two free ends is basically completely stretched or slightly coiled (a helix) and
- those in which a nucleic acid, which may or may not be a covalently closed circle, is tightly wound, like a string ball, into a compact structure.

Note: Only inside a host cell may viruses replicate. The parental virus (virion) gives birth to several progeny, usually similar to the parent virus genetically and structurally. The virus' actions are dependent on both its harmful tendencies against a single host cell and environmental factors. Multiplication of progeny viruses can be swift in the vegetative period of viral infection. This infection period also ends in the death of the cell and the release of the progeny of several viruses.