What is the Difference Between Capsid and Envelope?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The capsid and envelope are two structural components of a virus that play crucial roles in its survival and infection process. The main differences between them are:
- Composition: The capsid is a coat made up of proteins, while the envelope is a membrane made up of lipids.
- Function: The capsid protects the viral genome, which can be RNA or DNA, while the envelope covers the nucleocapsid (viral genome + capsid) and protects it during its life cycle when traveling between host cells.
- Presence: The capsid is present in all viruses, while the envelope is present only in some viruses, known as enveloped viruses.
- Stability and Resistance: Both structures determine the method of viral entry into and exit from host cells, as well as the stability and resistance of the virus.
In summary, the capsid is a protein coat that protects the viral genome, while the envelope is a lipid membrane that covers the nucleocapsid and protects it during its life cycle when traveling between host cells. Not all viruses have an envelope, and only enveloped viruses possess one.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Capsid and Envelope? Comparative Table: Capsid vs Envelope
Comparative Table: Capsid vs Envelope
Here is a table comparing the differences between capsid and envelope:
Feature | Capsid | Envelope |
---|---|---|
Composition | Protein coat | Lipid bilayer with viral proteins |
Function | Protects the viral genome and aids in assembly and packaging of the virus | Helps the virus attach to and enter host cells, provides stability and resistance |
Origin | Comes from the virus itself | Derived from the host cell's membrane |
Presence | All viruses have a capsid | Only enveloped viruses have an envelope |
Structure | Can be icosahedral or helical, formed by repeating protein subunits | Shaped by contained viral proteins and host-derived lipids |
Read more:
- Capsid vs Nucleocapsid
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- Enveloped vs Nonenveloped Viruses
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- Slime Layer vs Capsule
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- Protomers vs Capsomeres
- Capsules vs Tablets
- Encapsulation vs Decapsulation
- Microcapsule vs Microsphere
- Virus vs Prion
- Retrovirus vs Virus
- Encapsulation vs Tunneling
- Hat vs Cap
- Cell Membrane vs Cytoplasm
- Adenovirus vs Retrovirus
- Adeno-associated Viral Vector vs Adenoviral Vector
- Cell Membrane vs Nuclear Membrane
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