wholevirus

Wholevirus is a term used to describe a complete, infectious virus particle. It consists of the virus's genetic material, which can be 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 term "wholevirus" emphasizes that all essential components for infection are present. This complete virion is the form that is transmitted between hosts and responsible for initiating infection in a new cell. Understanding the structure of the wholevirus is crucial for comprehending how viruses infect cells, replicate, and cause disease. Various antiviral drugs and therapies target specific components of the wholevirus to inhibit its lifecycle. The study of wholevirus particles falls under the domain of virology, a branch of microbiology.