What is a Virion?
A virion is not the same as a virus but it is a virus in its extracellular phase. It is the complete, active, infectious form of a virus that exists outside the host cell. It is an extracellular parasite. It is composed of either a DNA or RNA genome, and is encased in an outer protein shell termed as capsid. It also contains an additional outer membrane made up of lipids called the envelope.
Virion is relatively smaller than the virus and is typically spheroidal in shape. The majority of plant viruses have rod-shaped virions. Virions perform the function of securely transporting the virus from the original host to a new host. Additionally, they also protect the genetic material from external threats.
Difference between Virus and Virion
The difference between virus and virion is that virus is the nucleoprotein particle whereas virion is the active, infectious form of the virus. A virus consists of genetic material encased by a protein capsid. It does not show any metabolic activity. Virion is the vector stage of a virus, which permits the transmission of a virus from one infected host cell to another.
Therefore, the virus is the intracellular phase whereas virion is the extracellular phase of the virus. Both virus and virion are two kinds of microscopic, obligatory parasites that are infectious. In this article, we will study the difference between a virus and a virion, what a virus is, the characteristics of a virus, what a virion is, and the similarities between a virus and virion.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Virus and Virion
- What is a Virus?
- What is a Virion?
- Similarities Between Virus and Virion
- Conclusion: Difference between Virus and Virion