A common polyhedral capsid shape of viruses is a _.

Correct answer: C. Icosahedral

  • A. Complex
  • B. Spherical
  • C. Icosahedral
  • D. Helical

Explanation

Among viruses, the most common polyhedral capsid shape is icosahedral, which consists of 20 triangular faces forming a highly stable and efficient structure. Helical viruses, although common, have a spiral structure rather than flat faces. Spherical viruses appear round due to their envelope, not because of a true polyhedral capsid. Complex viruses, such as bacteriophages, have mixed structural features that do not fit simple polyhedral forms. Therefore, when considering a classic polyhedral capsid, the correct answer is icosahedral.

Last updated

Related questions