Types of Viruses
By Darren Marchesani
Spherical (Influenza)
These viruses are composed of protein subunits that pack to form a framework enclosing the nucleic acid.
Helical (Tobacco mosaic virus)
This virus structure has a capsid with a central cavity that's made by proteins arranged in a circular fashion. The disc shapes are attached helically, creating a tube with room for the nucleic acid in the middle.
Complex (Bacteriophage)
These virus structures have a combo of icosahedral and helical shape and may have a complex outer wall or head-tail morphology.
Polyhedral (Adenovirus)
These viruses consist of nucleic acid surrounded by a many-sided shell (capsid), usually in the form of an icosahedron.