Virology basics: Name the proteinaceous outer covering of a virus particle. Full question: The outer covering of a virus made up primarily of protein is called what? Choose the correct option.

Difficulty: Easy

Capsid
Envelope
Cell wall
Capsule
Pellicle

Correct Answer: Capsid

Explanation:

Concept
A capsid is the protein shell of a virus composed of capsomeres that encloses the nucleic acid genome. Some viruses also possess a lipid envelope derived from host membranes, but the envelope is not present in all viruses, whereas the capsid is the defining protein coat.

Common pitfalls
Do not confuse bacterial capsule (polysaccharide) or cell wall with viral structures. The envelope is lipid-protein and optional; the protein coat is the capsid.

Final Answer
Capsid.

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