Why do viruses have capsids. Why can't they have just have a hollow inside with a genome?

Question

sh3lsh · Answer

Is it because of a nucleic acid: protein ratio issue?

anonymous · Answer

The capsid houses the virus DNA/RNA, it is basically a hollow inside with a genome (the virus genome). And no, it is not because of a nucleic acid:protein ratio.

anonymous · Answer

u r right and in bio if u are talking about these topic i will say one thing that we dont ay why it is why cant like this because here we get this point they had and only aim left is to find y and how they are having this as far i study bio we dont talk much more abu hypothesis but ye we try to figure out the circumtances that were created or we can create to help them in a manner as all virus is not hamrful hope u are v.well aware :)

sh3lsh · Answer

Sorry Zudgemud. That's not correct. http://www.scribd.com/doc/60309437/10/CAPSID-SYMMETRY-AND-VIRUS-ARCHITECTURE page 45 on the black toolbar (but really page 28 in the book)

anonymous · Answer

I fail to see how that invalidates my statement, that text you refer to simply states that the capsid must consist of several protein molecules. If you could explain how that text invalidates my statement I would be most grateful.