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General Science • BiologyEasy

What is the name of the protective protein coat that surrounds the nucleic acid genome of a virus?

A. Capsid✓ Correct Answer
B. Lipid bilayer
C. Cell wall
D. Nucleoid

💡 Solution & Explanation

The capsid is the protective protein shell that encapsulates the viral nucleic acid genome, shielding it from hostile environmental factors. Other structures like lipid bilayers form viral envelopes, cell walls protect plant and bacterial cells, and nucleoids refer to the unregulated genetic material regions in prokaryotes. Capsids are constructed from repeating protein subunits known as capsomeres.

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