Which of the following are the four main parts of a virus?

The correct answer identifies the four main components of a virus: the core, capsid, matrix, and envelope.

The core contains the viral genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA, and it is essential for the virus's replication and infection processes. The capsid serves as a protective protein shell that encapsulates and safeguards the core, ensuring that the genetic material is protected when outside a host cell. The matrix is a structural layer that typically supports the capsid and assists in the assembly and release of new viral particles. Finally, the envelope is a lipid membrane that surrounds the capsid in some viruses, aiding in the virus’s ability to infect host cells by facilitating fusion with the host cell membranes.

Each of these components plays a critical role in the structure and function of viruses, which are reliant on their design to successfully invade host organisms and reproduce. Understanding these parts is essential for studying viral behavior and the development of antiviral strategies.