| Description: | Caption:
This illustration provides a 3-dimensional (3D) graphical representation of a tightly packed icosahedral poliovirus particle that consists of 60 copies each of capsid polypeptides designated as VP (viral protein) 1 (Pink), VP2 (Green), VP3(Purple) and VP4 (not shown). The particle is composed of units of four capsid polypeptides that interact in groups of five, resulting in a viral particle that has 5-fold (pentamer) and 12-fold symmetry. A deep “canyon” on the capsid surface surrounds the apex of each pentamer of the virus. The canyon together with the pentamer apex are used as the site for capsid binding to cellular receptors.
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