Final answer:
Closer examination of a virus structure using electron microscopy reveals detailed features such as the capsid, envelope, and spike proteins, which are crucial for understanding viral infection and classification, and potentially guide treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon closely examining the structure of a virus, a range of complexities is revealed. Viruses consist of a nucleic acid core surrounded by a protein coat known as a capsid. Some viruses also have an outer envelope derived from the host cell. The overall morphology of viruses can be seen with electron microscopy, such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy, the latter of which shows internal structures. Variations in morphology include differences in capsid shapes and the presence of external structures like spikes used for attaching to host cells. Despite their small size—generally 20 to 250 nanometers in diameter, not visible with a light microscope—viruses can have diverse and intricate structures. Their structure can reveal insights into how to treat or prevent the diseases they cause. Studying the structure more closely also aids in classifying viruses based on the type of nucleic acid, capsid design, and the nature of their genetic material.