What does an icosahedral capsid consist of?
Correct answer: D. Both A and B
- A. Hexagonal capsomeres
- B. Pentagonal capsomeres
- C. Triangular Capsomeres
- D. Both A and B
Explanation
An icosahedral shape, common in viral capsids, is made of protein subunits called capsomeres, which can be pentameric (five subunits) or hexameric (six subunits). Pentamers occupy the 12 vertices of the icosahedron, while hexamers fill the faces and edges, creating a stable, closed shell. This arrangement follows the principle of quasi-equivalence, allowing subunits to adapt slightly to form either pentamers or hexamers. The combination of these capsomeres gives the icosahedral capsid structural stability and enough internal space to enclose the viral genome.
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About Biodiversity and Variety of Life
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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