Certainly one of the most intriguing facts about viruses is that the large majority of them display full icosahedral symmetry, arguably the highest and also the most esthetically-pleasing symmetry shown in Nature. The elements of icosahedral symmetry involve 6 five-fold rotation axes, 10 three-fold, and 15 two-fold.

We know from our studies with lambda phage that viral capsids can support internal pressures of 50 - 60 atm. The interactions between the proteins that make up the capsid are held together by hydrophobic and electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonds. How can structures that are joined by relatively weak bonds be so strong? Just how strong are viral capsids?

Bacteriophage lambda, shown in the electron micrograph, consists of a protein capsid 30 nm in radius that has a long cylindrical tail. Its genome, double stranded (ds) DNA, is protected by the capsid from attack by nuclease enzymes that would break it down into its nucleotides and therefore lose the genetic information needed to replicate the phage.

[We began a previous research summary with the phrase "Certainly one of the most intriguing facts about viruses is that", but we nevertheless begin this one that way as well, because we find that almost every aspect of virus formation is remarkable.]

Ours is a joint experimental/theoretical research group devoted to understanding what viruses are and how they "work".