kapsidhölje

Kapsidhölje refers to the protein shell that encloses the genetic material of a virus. This protective coat, also known as a capsid, is composed of repeating subunits called capsomeres. The arrangement of these capsomeres determines the overall shape of the virus, which can be helical, icosahedral, or complex. The capsid plays a crucial role in protecting the viral genome from degradation and facilitates the attachment of the virus to host cells. It also contributes to the stability of the virus particle and can be involved in the process of viral entry into the host cell. The specific structure and composition of the kapsidhölje vary significantly among different types of viruses, reflecting the diversity of the viral world. In some viruses, the kapsidhölje is further surrounded by a lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane, but the kapsidhölje itself is a fundamental component of all viruses.