What are the basic components of a virus?

The basic components of a virus are a capsid and genetic material. The capsid is a protein shell that encases and protects the viral genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA. This structure is essential for the virus's ability to attach to host cells and facilitate infection. The capsid aids in the transport of the viral genome into the host, where it can then hijack the host's cellular machinery to replicate itself.

Viruses do not possess cellular structures such as cell walls, ribosomes, or mitochondria, which differentiates them from living cells. They lack the machinery necessary for metabolism and reproduction independently, relying instead on host cells for these processes. Understanding these components is fundamental in microbiology, especially in the context of viral infections and treatments.