Virion (Noun)
Meaning
(virology) a complete viral particle; nucleic acid and capsid (and a lipid envelope in some viruses).
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The entire life cycle of a virus involves the release of a virion from an infected host cell, followed by its attachment and entry into a new host cell.
- Each virion is composed of genetic material covered by a capsid, and in some viruses, a lipid envelope surrounds the capsid for protection.
- After identifying the virion shape and structure, researchers could begin designing antiviral treatments specifically targeting the viral capsid.
- Viral antigens present on the surface of a virion serve as the primary target for neutralizing antibodies.
- The study found that mutations in the virion's capsid proteins resulted in altered infectivity and immune evasion.