A particle that is too small to be seen with a light microscope or to be trapped by filters but is capable of independent metabolism and reproduction within a living cell. Outside its host cell a virus is completely inert. A mature virus (a virion) typically ranges in size from 20 to 600 nm in diameter. It consists of a core of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat (see capsid). Some (the enveloped viruses) bear an outer envelope consisting of proteins and lipids. Inside its host cell the virus initiates the synthesis of viral proteins and undergoes replication. The new virions are released when the host cell disintegrates. Viruses are parasites of animals, plants, and some bacteria (see bacteriophage). Viral diseases of animals include the common cold, influenza, AIDS, herpes, hepatitis, polio, and rabies (see adenovirus; arbovirus; herpesvirus; hiv; myxovirus; papovavirus; picornavirus; poxvirus); some viruses are also implicated in the development of cancer (see retrovirus). Plant viral diseases include various forms of yellowing and blistering of leaves and stems (see tobacco mosaic virus). Antiviral drugs are effective against certain viral diseases and vaccines (if available) provide protection against others. See also interferon; nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus; pandoravirus. See Feature.