Virion

[4] A virion consists of one or more nucleic acid genome molecules (single-stranded or double-stranded RNA or DNA) and coatings (a capsid and possibly a viral envelope).

[5] In the vast majority of viruses, the DNA and RNA components are packed into a protein shell, the capsid.

The tail of the Caudoviricetes is usually divided into: The latter are used to establish contact with the host cell.

The tail of these viruses serves as an injection device to introduce their own genome into the host cell.

[9][10][clarification needed] Spikes (peplomers) can protrude from the capsid, as in the Coronaviridae, the Tectiviridae, and others.