The Fascinating Icosahedral Capsid Structure in Viruses

What is a capsid structure with 20 symmetrical panels of capsomeres called?

1) Icosahedron
2) Tetrahedron
3) Octahedron
4) Dodecahedron

Final answer:

A capsid structure with 20 symmetrical panels of capsomeres is called an icosahedron

The capsid structure which has 20 panels of capsomeres arranged in a symmetrical pattern is called an icosahedron. An icosahedral shape is the most efficient way of creating a sturdy structure from multiple copies of a single protein, often seen in viral capsids. For example, the capsids of the adenovirus and poliovirus exhibit this icosahedral structure.

This geometrical pattern is not truly spherical but gives viruses a spherical appearance at low magnification, much like the pattern seen on a soccer ball. Each of the 20 faces of an icosahedron is an equilateral triangle, meeting at 12 corners. This design is prevalent in viral structures because it can be easily assembled using repeated identical protein subunits, saving space in the viral genome.