Virions

A virion is an externally-enclosed viral particle which consists of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. Virions are responsible for the transmission of viral infections and are an essential part of how viruses function. They are able to enter cells and hijack the machinery of the cell to replicate and produce new virions. Virions are produced at the end of the replication cycle when the virus exits the infected cell. They are able to be transmitted between cells and between organisms, facilitating the spread of infection. In order to prevent the spread of viral infections, treatments such as vaccines work by triggering an immune response to a modified version of the virions and therefore providing immunity against the infectious form of the virion.