Why Do Helical Viruses Remain Attached?

[Brainguy]

according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virus_(biology)
helical viruses keep their genetic material in place because of "interactions between the negatively charged nucleic acid and positive charges on the protein". Why do these two structures continue to be attached to each other? I would expect them to disconnect as soon as soon as the extra electrons in the RNA neutralize the ions in the protein shell. And why are they both charged in the first place?
thanks,
-brainguy

 

[Ygggdrasil]

Electrons in the are not free to move to other molecules as they are in non-bonding molecular orbitals.

The RNA and proteins acquires charge through acid/base reactions. At pH 7, it is thermodynamically favorable for the neutrally-charged hydrogen phosphate groups in nucleic acids to transfer a hydrogen to water, forming a negatively-charged phosphate and a positively-charged hydronium ion (H₃O⁺). Similarly, at neutral pH, proteins contain basic groups that will accept a hydrogen from water in order to become positively-charged.

 

[Brainguy]

I know this is old, but I asked because I was wondering if the nucleic acids could be made to fall out of the capsid if either the capsid or the nucleic acid lost its charge. Here's another question, are the molecules in the capsid willing to accept more electrons? if so, a negatively charged object could be placed near the virus,causing the protein to neutralize and the nucleic acids to fall out of the capsid, rendering the virus inert?
-brainguy

 

[mazinse]

you want a way to bind/inhibit the viral molecules like chelation?

 

[LudusRex]

I can provide an explanation for why helical viruses remain attached. The attachment between the nucleic acid and protein in helical viruses is due to a phenomenon known as electrostatic interactions. These interactions occur between oppositely charged particles, in this case the negatively charged nucleic acid and the positively charged protein. These interactions are strong and hold the two structures together, preventing them from disconnecting.

The reason why both the nucleic acid and protein are charged is due to their chemical composition. Nucleic acids, such as RNA, contain negatively charged phosphate groups, while proteins contain positively charged amino acids. These charges are essential for the structure and function of these molecules, and are a result of the specific atoms and bonds present in their chemical makeup.

Additionally, the shape of the protein shell in helical viruses plays a role in maintaining attachment to the nucleic acid. The protein shell is structured in a way that allows it to wrap around the nucleic acid, creating a stable complex.

It is important for helical viruses to remain attached to their genetic material in order to ensure successful replication and infection of host cells. If the nucleic acid and protein were to disconnect, the virus would not be able to function properly and would not be able to spread and infect other cells.

In summary, helical viruses remain attached due to the strong electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged nucleic acid and positively charged protein, as well as the specific chemical composition and structure of these molecules. This attachment is crucial for the virus's ability to replicate and infect host cells.