nucleocapsid
/ˌnuklioʊˈkæpsɪd/
noun
- The core structure of a virus, consisting of the nucleic acid (genetic material) surrounded by a protein shell called the capsid.
- Scientists study the nucleocapsid to develop vaccines that target viral proteins.
- When a virus infects a cell, the nucleocapsid is released to begin replication.
- The nucleocapsid of the influenza virus contains its RNA genome wrapped in proteins.