Viruses exhibit various shapes, which can be broadly categorized into several types:
Icosahedral: These viruses have a symmetrical, polyhedral shape with 20 triangular faces. Examples include adenoviruses and polioviruses. Helical: These viruses have a rod-like shape, with their genetic material spirally wrapped within a protein coat. Examples include tobacco mosaic virus and influenza virus. Complex: These viruses have more intricate structures, often combining icosahedral and helical elements. Bacteriophages, which infect bacteria, are a prime example. Enveloped: Some viruses have an outer lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane. This envelope can have glycoprotein spikes. Examples include HIV and herpesviruses.
