Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
capsid
This term is a specialized biological descriptor used almost exclusively in virology and molecular biology. It evokes the image of a geometric, protective container that shields the fragile nucleic acids of a virus from the external environment. The connotation is one of structural rigidity and precise assembly, as capsids are often composed of repeating protein subunits called capsomeres.
Because it refers to a specific anatomical structure of a virus, it is used in highly technical, academic, or medical contexts. It is never used colloquially. While it functions as a standard countable noun, it is frequently paired with adjectives describing its symmetry, such as helical or icosahedral, to specify the architectural arrangement of the protein shell.
Meanings
Examples
The virus uses its capsid to attach to the host cell membrane.
Wait, does this specific strain have a lipid envelope around the capsid?
The capsid is composed of individual protein subunits called capsomeres.
The capsid is composed of individual protein subunits called capsomeres.
I wonder if the drug can penetrate the capsid to reach the RNA.
The structural integrity of the capsid prevents the genetic material from leaking.
The capsid must disassemble once the virus enters the cytoplasm.
Look at the electron micrograph to see the symmetry of the capsid.