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Glite Dictionary
nucleocapsid

nucleocapsid

1 9.6
A shell made of protein and the genetic material inside a virus that protect it
  • noun
  • /ˌnjuːkliˈoʊˌkæpsɪd/
  • Specialized
: nucleocápside
  • Second, we developed a new ELISA specific for Sosuga virus by using the virus recombinant nucleocapsid protein produced and purified from Escherichia coli.
  • nucleocapsid protein

And it's that's the N for the nucleocapsid.

Examples

  • Researchers studied the nucleocapsid to understand how viruses replicate inside host cells.

  • To sequence the genome, degenerate and specific primers were designed based on an alignment of all complete LCMV large (L), glycoprotein complex, and nucleocapsid protein sequences (Table).

    Academic text (2012)

  • The nucleocapsid of the virus protects its genetic material during infection.

  • In a virus, the nucleocapsid consists of the genetic material encased in a protein shell.

Surface Forms

nucleocapsid singular
nucleocapsids plural

Morphology

nucleocapsid = capsid + capsid (semi-transparent) = nucleo + capsid

Formed by the combining form 'nucleo-' (not a standalone word) plus the technical base 'capsid'; the structure is clear to those with biomedical knowledge but not to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Nucleocapsid comes from nucleus, meaning 'core' or 'kernel', and capsid, related to capsule, meaning a 'box' or 'case'. So a nucleocapsid is the virus's 'core' together with its protective 'case' that holds and protects the genetic material.