What does the basic structure of a virus consist of?

The basic structure of a virus consists of nucleic acid and protein, and often an envelope made of lipids. Nucleic acid refers to the genetic material of the virus, which can be either DNA or RNA, carrying the instructions for viral replication. The protein component typically forms a protective coat known as the capsid, which encases and protects the nucleic acid. In many viruses, especially those that infect animals and plants, there is an additional outer layer known as the viral envelope, which is composed of lipids derived from the host cell membrane.

This understanding highlights the simplicity of viral structure compared to cellular organisms, which have more complex structures including various organelles and membranes. In contrast, the other options incorrectly include components that do not form the core structure of a virus, such as carbohydrates and vitamins, which are not essential constituents of viral architecture. The inclusion of these incorrect components helps clarify the fundamental nature of viruses as entities distinct from living cells.