Question

What are the three main symmetry of viruses?

Answer 1

The three main symmetry of viruses are,

I. Helical (spiral symmetry) : Most of the helical viruses are RNA viruses, that infect plants.

2. Icosahedral (cuboidal) symmetry : These viruses have 12 vertices (corners), 20 facet (sides) and 30 edges.

Example, Adenovirus, Papovirus etc

3. Complex symmetry: Complex viruses have a distinct shape, they cannot be grouped into Helical or icosahedral and consist of many separate units called the capsomeres each having a distinct shape and symmetry.

Example, Pox virus, Bacteriophage etc