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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Virus and Virion?

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The main difference between a virus and a virion lies in their location and structure. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

  • Virus: A virus is a microscopic, non-cellular structure consisting of a nucleic acid molecule covered by a protein coat. It is an intracellular parasite, meaning it can only replicate inside a host cell. Viruses can be filamentous, helical, isometric, enveloped, or even non-enveloped in shape.
  • Virion: A virion is the active, infectious form of a virus outside the host cell. It has both nucleic acid and protein layers, and is an extracellular parasite. Virions are generally smaller than viruses and usually have a spherical or rod-shaped structure.

In summary:

Virus Virion
Intracellular parasite Extracellular parasite
Consists of nucleic acid and protein coat Has both nucleic acid and protein layers
Can be filamentous, helical, isometric, enveloped, or non-enveloped in shape Generally spheroidal or rod-shaped

Both virus and virion are microscopic, obligatory parasites that depend on host cells for replication.

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  • What is the Difference Between Virus and Virion?
  • Comparative Table: Virus vs Virion

    • Comparative Table: Virus vs Virion

    Here is a table comparing the differences between a virus and a virion:

    Feature Virus Virion
    Definition A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that consists of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid. A virion is a single viral particle, which is the complete virus that can infect a host cell.
    Size Viruses are smaller in size, ranging from 30 to 50 nanometers (nm). Virions are also small, but they represent the full viral particle that can infect a host cell.
    Cellular Structure Viruses lack cellular organelles and cytoplasm, and they do not perform metabolic activities. Virions are the infectious particles that contain the virus's genetic material and proteins, but they do not have their own cellular structure.
    Living/Non-Living Viruses are not fully acknowledged as living organisms, as they cannot survive outside a host. Virions are not considered living organisms, as they only reproduce inside a host cell.
    Reproduction Viruses can only reproduce inside a living host cell, where they can hijack the cellular machinery to produce more viruses. Virions are the infectious viral particles that can infect a host cell and initiate the reproduction process.
    Host Infection Viruses can infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, animals, plants, and bacteria. The specific type of virion (virus particle) will depend on the virus that causes the infection. For example, the SARS-CoV-2 virion causes COVID-19.

    In summary, a virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that requires a host cell to reproduce, while a virion is a single viral particle capable of infecting a host cell.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.