polygonal virus

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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Polygonal viruses are a class of viruses characterized by their symmetrical, polygon-shaped protein capsid, which encloses the virus's genetic material. These viruses, often icosahedral in structure, are formed from equilateral triangles composed of protein subunits called capsomeres. They vary in size, typically ranging from 20 to 150 nanometers in diameter. Examples of viruses with icosahedral capsids include papovaviruses and polyomaviruses. The shape and size of a virus are determined by its protein and nucleic acid components.12345

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virus
The protein capsid
Polygonal viruses vary greatly in size, from 20 to 150 nm in diameter, essentially proportional to the size of the nucleic acid molecule coiled up inside the virion. Most, if not all, of the polygonal viruses are icosahedral; like a geodesic dome, they are formed…
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Polygonal viruses vary greatly in size, from 20 to 150 nm in diameter, essentially proportional to the size of the nucleic acid molecule coiled up inside the virion. Most, if not all, of the polygonal viruses are icosahedral; like a geodesic dome, they are formed…
Read More