Question

What are the functions of viral structural proteins?

Answer 1

A viral protein is both an element and a product of a virus. Viral proteins are grouped according to their functions, and groups of viral proteins include structural proteins, nonstructural proteins, regulatory proteins etc.

Most viral structural proteins are components for the capsid and the envelope of the virus. It is incorporated in the vision particle.

# Functions of viral structural proteins are : -

1. Protects genome
2. Delivery of genome
3. Other interactions with host

All viruses have a protein capsid protecting the nucleic acid genome, but some viruses, such as influenza A, have an additional coat with glycoprotein spikes. Nonstructural viral proteins are the proteins that invade the host cell, taking it over.

The main function of the virion is to deliver its DNA or RNA genome into the host cell so that the genome can be expressed (transcribed and translated) by the host cell. The viral genome, often with associated basic proteins, is packaged inside asymmetric protein capsid. The nucleic acid-associated protein, called nucleoprotein, together with the genome, forms the nucleocapsid.

In enveloped viruses, the nucleocapsid is surrounded by a lipid bilayer derived from the modified host cell membrane and studded with an outer layer of virus envelope glycoproteins.