virión
A virion is the complete, infectious form of a virus outside of a host cell. It consists of genetic material, usually DNA or RNA, enclosed within a protein coat called a capsid. Some viruses also have an outer lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane. The virion's structure is designed for efficient transmission and entry into host cells, where it can replicate.
The capsid's shape can vary, with common forms including helical, icosahedral, and complex. The genetic material
The primary function of a virion is to deliver its genetic material to a susceptible host cell.