[Campbell Biology P.449] Based on Figure 19.3 and its accompanying captions, which virus has... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 19.3 and its accompanying captions, which virus has a complex capsid structure consisting of an icosahedral head and a tail apparatus, with its genetic material enclosed in the head?

  • A: Tobacco mosaic virus
  • B: Adenovirus
  • C: Influenza virus
  • D: Bacteriophage T4

Explanation

Figure 19.3d explicitly describes Bacteriophage T4 as having "a complex capsid consisting of an icosahedral head and a tail apparatus. T4's double-stranded DNA is enclosed in the head." Tobacco mosaic virus has a helical, rod-shaped capsid Figure 19.3a . Adenoviruses have an icosahedral capsid but no tail apparatus Figure 19.3b . Influenza viruses have an outer envelope surrounding their capsid Figure 19.3c .