1. Explore - Foundations of Viruses, Their Parts and Types

1.3 The Main Parts of a Virus (Structure)

Even though viruses vary widely, many share core structural components:

• Genetic material (genome): The “instruction code” of the virus. It can be DNA or RNA. Example  Influenza – ssRNA (+): https://microbenotes.com/classification-of-virus/  
• Capsid: A protective protein shell that surrounds and protects the genome. Capsids often have geometric shapes that help stability and packaging. Example:  Adenovirus – icosahedral capsid: https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/General_Biology_2e_(OpenStax)/05:_Unit_V-_Biological_Diversity/5.01:_Viruses/5.1.02:_Viral_Evolution_Morphology_and_Classification
• Envelope (in some viruses): A lipid outer layer taken from the host cell membrane. Example: HIV – enveloped with gp120 spikes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_envelope
• Spikes / surface proteins (in many viruses): These help the virus recognize and attach to the host cell. Example: SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: https://morgridge.org/community/teaching-learning/virology-immunology/factsheets/virus-structure/

Key idea for students: Virus structure is not random — each part supports a function (protection, attachment, entry, replication).

To support visual and conceptual understanding of virus structure, students are encouraged to watch a short educational video explaining the basic biology of viruses. The video clearly presents the main parts of a virus, including genetic material, capsid, envelope, and surface proteins, and explains how these components work together during infection. This resource helps learners connect written descriptions with dynamic visual explanations, making complex microscopic structures easier to understand before moving on to 3D modeling and AR activities.