Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Plaquing of Herpes Simplex Viruses
Published on: November 5, 2021
Asymmetry in icosahedral viruses
Daniel J Goetschius1, Colin R Parrish2, Susan Hafenstein3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State University, W231 Millennium Science Complex, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Abstract:
Although icosahedral viruses have obvious and highly symmetrical features, asymmetric structural elements are also present. Asymmetric features may be inherent since the genome and location of minor capsid proteins are typically incorporated without adhering to icosahedral symmetry. Asymmetry also develops during the virus life cycle in order to accomplish key functions such as genome packaging, release, and organization. However, resolving asymmetric features complicates image processing during single-particle cryoEM analysis. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding asymmetric structural features with specific examples drawn from members of picornaviridae, parvoviradae, microviradae, and leviviridae.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Membrane Asymmetry Regulating Transporters
Flippase
Eukaryotic flippases are type-IV P-type ATPases or P4-ATPases belonging to P-type ATPase family proteins that are membrane-bound pumps involved in the ATP-mediated transport of ions and molecules across the membrane. Flippases flip specific phospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet of a membrane. All P4-ATPases have one...
What are Viruses?
Introduction to Virus
Viruses of Archaea
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria

