Spherical Symmetry Collection

HK97 bacteriophage capsid, molecular model. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, in this case enterobacteria such as E. coli (Escherichia coli), with the phage head shown here

Chikungunya virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical Africa and Asia, causes fever and joint pain in humans, similar to dengue fever

HK97 bacteriophage procapsid. Molecular model showing the structure of the prohead-I procapsid of the HK97 bacteriophage. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria

Turnip yellow mosaic virus capsid, molecular model. This virus infects a wide variety of plants, including crops such as turnips and cabbages, causing yellow patches on the leaves

Sindbis virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, causes sindbis fever in humans. In viruses, the capsid is the protein shell that encloses the genetic material

Murine polyomavirus capsid, molecular model. This virus, one of a range named for their potential to cause multiple tumours, infects mice

Brome mosaic virus capsid, molecular model. This plant virus infects grasses, especially brome grasses, and also barley. It causes mosaic patches of discolouration

Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus capsid, molecular model. This virus (CCMV) infects the cowpea plant (Vigna unguiculata), causing yellow spots of discolouration

Avian polyomavirus capsid, molecular model. This virus, one of a range named for their potential to cause multiple tumours, infects birds. Discovered in budgerigars in 1981, it is often fatal

Cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus capsid, molecular model. Part of the Cypovirus genus and invariably fatal, this insect virus is transmitted by contamination of leaves eaten (examples include silkworms)

Theilers encephalomyelitis virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, which causes brain and spinal cord inflammation in mice, is used in research

Tobacco necrosis virus capsid, molecular model. This plant virus infects a wide rage of plants, including the tobacco plant for which it is named. The virus causes tissue death (necrosis)

Grapevine fanleaf virus capsid, molecular model. This plant virus is named for its infection of grape vines. It is transmitted by the nematode worm Xiphinema index

VEE equine encephalitis virus capsid
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus capsid, molecular model. This mosquito-borne virus can kill horses and other equine species, causing brain and spinal cord inflammation

Murine minute virus capsid, molecular model. This parvovirus infects mice, its only known natural host. It is highly infectious, transmitted through the nose and mouth

SV40 virus capsid, molecular model. Simian virus 40 (SV40) is found in monkeys such as Rhesus monkeys and macaques. Potentially tumour-causing, it is used in laboratory research and in vaccines

Dengue virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, transmitted by mosquito bites, causes the tropical disease dengue fever in humans

Ryegrass mottle virus capsid, molecular model. This plant virus is named for its infection of ryegrass, and the discolouration it causes

Norwalk virus capsid, molecular model. This norovirus, which causes a viral form of gastroenteritis, is transmitted from person-to-person or through contaminated food

Semliki forest virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, named for the forest in Uganda where it was identified, is spread by the bite of mosquitoes. It can infect both humans and animals

Physalis mottle virus capsid
Avian polyomavirus capsid, molecular model. This virus, one of a range named for their potential to cause multiple tumours, infects birds. Discovered in budgerigars in 1981, it is often fatal

Bombyx mori densovirus 1 capsid
Bombyx mori densovirus 1 (BmDNV-1), molecular model. This virus infects crustaceans and insects, especially the silkworm (Bombyx mori)

Hepatitis B virus capsid, molcular model
Hepatitis B virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, transmitted through infected bodily fluids or blood, causes the disease hepatitis B in humans, leading to acute liver inflammation

Simian rotavirus capsid, molecular model. This virus is named for its ability to infect the higher primates (simians). Rotaviruses, transmitted by faecal-oral contact

Poliovirus type 3 capsid, molecular model. This enterovirus causes poliomyelitis (polio) in humans, which affects the nervous system, sometimes leading to paralysis

Infectious bursal disease virus capsid, molecular model. This avian virus infects the bursa of Fabricius (specialised bird immune organ) in young chickens, and can cause high mortality rates

Bacteriophage capsid protein shell. Molecular model showing the partial shell structure of a bacteriophage capsid based on one of its coat proteins

Aedes mosquito and Chikungunya virus. Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) mosquito next to a Chikungunya virus particle (virion). The Chikungunya virus is transmitted by Aedes sp

Penicillium partitivirus capsid, molecular model. This is the capsid of the partivirus called Penicillium stoloniferum virus F (PsV-F). This virus infects the fungi that make the drug penicillin

Echovirus 7 capsid, molecular model. Echoviruses are related to the polioviruses. They are usually harmless but can cause serious illness such as encephalitis, meningitis, heart and liver disease

Foot-and-mouth disease virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, which can be fatal, causes foot-and-mouth disease in cloven-hooved animals

Poliovirus type 1 capsid, molecular model. This enterovirus causes poliomyelitis (polio) in humans, which affects the nervous system, sometimes leading to paralysis

IBDV subviral particle, molecular model. IBDV (infectious bursal disease virus) is an avian virus that infects the bursa of Fabricius (specialised bird immune organ) in young chickens

Bluetongue virus capsid
Bluetongue virus (BTV) capsid, molecular model. BTV is an orbivirus, and is of major economic importance as an insect-borne pathogen of cattle and other ruminants

Alpha 3 bacteriophage capsid, molecular model. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, with the capsid forming the bacteriophage head. A capsid has subunits called capsomeres

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"Spherical Symmetry: Unveiling the Beauty of Nature's Capsids" In the microscopic world, a captivating phenomenon known as spherical symmetry unfolds. From the HK97 bacteriophage capsid to the Chikungunya virus capsid, nature showcases its artistic prowess through these molecular masterpieces. The HK97 bacteriophage procapsid stands tall with its intricate geometric patterns, resembling an architectural marvel. Meanwhile, the Turnip yellow mosaic virus capsid mesmerizes with its delicate lattice-like structure that encases genetic material like a precious treasure. As we delve deeper into this symmetrical realm, our gaze is captured by the Hepatitis B virus capsid's molecular model. Its elegant arrangement evokes awe and admiration for nature's precision in creating such complexity on a minuscule scale. The Infectious bursal disease virus capsid reveals itself as a harmonious fusion of shapes and curves. Its seamless design reflects both strength and resilience against external forces. Moving forward, we encounter the Sindbis virus capsid's molecular model—a testament to nature's ability to balance beauty and functionality effortlessly. Its symmetrical composition ensures stability while allowing for efficient viral replication. Returning to familiar territory, we revisit the HK97 bacteriophage procapsid—this time appreciating its robustness in protecting vital genetic information from harm. It serves as a reminder that even simplicity can be breathtaking when viewed through an enlightened lens. The Murine polyomavirus capsid unveils yet another facet of spherical symmetry—an amalgamation of elegance and intricacy that captivates scientists worldwide. This masterpiece showcases how form follows function in perfect harmony within nature’s creations. Stepping further into this captivating universe, we encounter the Brome mosaic virus capsid—a true work of art crafted by evolution over millennia. Its symmetrical architecture not only safeguards but also facilitates viral propagation across plant hosts seamlessly. Our journey takes us next to witness Semliki forest virus capsid's enchanting beauty.