Viruses are made up of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat (capsid), which is made up of subunits called capsomeres. Bacterial viruses are called phages.

  • Tobacco Mosaic Virus has a helical capsid enclosing RNA.
  • Adenoviruses have a polyhedral capsid with glycoprotein spikes.
  • Flu viruses have 8 capsids with an RNA genome wrapped in a membranous envelope embedded with glycoproteins.
  • Phage T4 has a polyhedral head and a tail apparatus.

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