noun
- Plural of capsid; the protein shell that surrounds and protects the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a virus.
Usage: technical; biology
Examples
- The capsids of different viruses vary greatly in shape and size.
- Researchers studied how capsids protect viral genetic material from damage.
- The immune system recognizes certain capsids as foreign invaders.
- Capsids are composed of multiple copies of one or more types of protein.
- Understanding capsid structure is essential for developing antiviral drugs.