Biology Acellular Life UHS 2024
PMDC Verified Question 3 of 70
Example of viruses having a polyhedral capsid that is with \( 252 \) capsomeres is:
A
Influenza virus
B
Adenovirus
C
Bacteriophage
D
Tobacco Mosaic Virus
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: Adenovirus
Concept:

Viral capsids exhibit precise, genetically determined geometric symmetries and specific capsomere counts.

Solution:

  • Adenoviruses are classic examples of non-enveloped, icosahedral (polyhedral) viruses.
  • Their highly stable, geometric capsid is structurally composed of exactly \( 252 \) capsomeres (\( 240 \) hexons and \( 12 \) pentons at the vertices).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Tobacco Mosaic Virus: Has a helical (rod-like) symmetry, not polyhedral.
  • Bacteriophage: Typically has a complex (binal) symmetry with a polyhedral head and helical tail.
  • Influenza virus: Has a helical nucleocapsid surrounded by a pleomorphic envelope.

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