The head of some phages are icosahedral, which means that the head possesses:
Correct answer: D. 20 Sides
- A. 6 Sides
- B. 10 Sides
- C. 15 Sides
- D. 20 Sides
Explanation
The head of some phages are icosahedral, which means that the head possesses 20 sides. An icosahedron is a polyhedron defined by having 20 equilateral triangular faces. It is one of the five Platonic solids, recognized for its symmetry and structural efficiency. The icosahedral shape allows for optimal packing of viral proteins and DNA, contributing to the stability and resilience of the virus against environmental stressors. Examples of phages with icosahedral heads include T4 phage, T7 phage, Lambda phage, and MS2 phage. The other options are incorrect because they do not represent the true structural nature of an icosahedron, which is specifically characterized by its 20 triangular faces.
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Biological classification uses taxonomic ranks, binomial nomenclature and shared characteristics to organize life into kingdoms. The major groups include prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants and animals, with comparisons based on cell type, cell wall, nutrition, body organization, reproduction and evolutionary relationships; prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
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