Virology: Viral Symmetry, Size, and Structure

These flashcards cover the symmetry of nucleocapsids, virus size comparisons, genome sizes, and the specific shapes of various viruses as observed under electron microscopy.

Icosahedral Symmetry

The type of nucleocapsid symmetry seen in all DNA viruses except Poxvirus.

Helical Symmetry

The type of nucleocapsid symmetry seen in most RNA viruses, including Myxovirus, Rhabdovirus, Filovirus, Arenavirus, and Bunyavirus.

Poxvirus

The largest virus with a size of $300\,nm$, possessing complex symmetry and a box-shaped or brick-shaped appearance.

Parvovirus

The smallest virus with a size of $20\,nm$.

Retrovirus (HIV)

The virus identified as having the largest genome size.

Hepatitis D virus

The virus identified as having the smallest genome size.

Rabies Virus

A virus characterized by a bullet-shaped structure under electron microscopy.

Coronavirus

A virus that displays a crown-like appearance due to petal-like peplomers.

Ebola Virus

A virus with a spaghetti-like, thread-like, or filamentous shape.

Rotavirus

A virus characterized by a wheel-shaped appearance under electron microscopy.