Exploring Viral Symmetry
12th Grade•56 minutes
Learning Objective
I can describe the different types of viral symmetry and their structural components.
Key Concepts
A helical virus has a cylindrical shape, with a capsid made of capsomeres surrounding the nucleic acid.
An enveloped virus has a phospholipid bilayer acquired from the host cell membrane and often has spikes for attachment.
An icosahedral virus has a 20-sided structure made of capsomeres, which may or may not be covered by an envelope.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 12 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. What is the main difference between a naked virus and an enveloped virus?
2. Describe the structure of a helical virus.
3. What is the function of spikes on a virus?
...and 9 more questions
Educational Video
Helical and Icosahedral Viruses
cnmbioprof