Helical virus

Definition

A helical virus is a type of virus whose capsid (protein shell) is shaped in a rod-like, spiral structure. This shape allows the viral nucleic acid to be tightly wound inside the protein coat.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Helical viruses can infect both plants and animals.
2. The Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is a well-known example of a helical virus.
3. These viruses have a single-stranded RNA or DNA genome.
4. The capsid proteins of helical viruses self-assemble into a helical structure around the nucleic acid.
5. They often exhibit symmetry, with the length of the helix determined by the length of the nucleic acid.

Review Questions

Related terms

Capsid:

The protein shell that encloses the viral genome.

Icosahedral Virus: A type of virus with a capsid that has twenty equilateral triangular faces.

Nucleocapsid: The combination of viral nucleic acid and capsid proteins.