In this state, the virus exists solely as nucleid acids that induce the host to synthesize viral components from which virions are assembled and eventually released.
A virus in the extracellular state is called a virion and consists of a protein coat called a capsid which protects the viral genome and aids in its transfer between host cells.
Some virions have a phospholipid membrane derived from the host cell , called an envelope, which surrounds the nucleocapsid According to their capsid's symmetry, the viruses can come in many shapes and sizes.