The Virus - Enigma in the World of Minutiae

The Virus - An Artist's Interpretation  

Dr Abe V Rotor

A virus is invisible, not even under the light microscope, the one we use to examine bacteria and one-celled organisms. It is the electron microscope modern science made possible in exposing the virus structure, and today we can scan it more than a thousand times, setting aside the proverb of looking for "a needle in a haystack. "

All viruses have two components: 1) a nucleic acid genome and 2) a protein capsid that covers the genome. Together this is called the nucleocapsid. In addition, many animal viruses contain a 3) lipid envelope. The entire intact virus is called the virion,

herein interpreted by an artist in a table model, using spikes of the local cherry tree (Flacourtia jangomas) implanted on the capsid.  Surrounding the virus in the model is the host cell, so huge the invading parasite is minuscule to the latter's size. 

Although the model is colorful, viruses as seen under the electron microscope are colorless and visible only in contrast black and white. However, with the computer today their images can be modified and fashioned into artistic interpretations.

     

Cross section of the virus; closeup of its "crown"