nucleocapsid

[ noo-klee-uh-kap-sid, nyoo- ]

noun

, Microbiology.

1. the nucleic acid core and surrounding capsid of a virus; the basic viral structure.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nucleocapsid¹

First recorded in 1960–65; nucleo- + capsid ¹

Example Sentences

The scientists tested both aerosols and large droplets in the air samples for coronavirus RNA and calculated how many copies of the virus’s nucleocapsid protein gene, or N gene, were present.

From Science News

Antibody tests usually test for antibodies against the virus’s nucleocapsid, or N protein.

From Science News

Vaxart’s vaccine contains instructions for making the spike protein, and also for the nucleocapsid, or N protein.

From Science News

It targets both a protein known as a nucleocapsid, which coronaviruses use to infect their host, and the so-called spike protein zeroed in on by vaccines authorized for use already.

From Quartz

Scientists leading the trial say the nucleocapsid may be less likely to mutate than the spike protein, which since the start of the pandemic has changed in ways that lower the protection provided by vaccines that target the spike alone.

From Quartz