Page 120 - The Microworld Miracle

When you examine the structure of viruses close up, you can
see that they possess a perfect structure. The molecules making up
the virus sheath give it a literally gemlike appearance. Each virus
with its own unique geometrical shape gives rise to amazing pat-

terns. Just as in all structures in nature, there are various rules and
measurements in its construction, determined through so-called cu-
bic symmetry. Various scientists spent years of research to solve the
laws of these architectural structures. The viral forms that emerge

as a result of these geometrical laws are icosahedrons. In a typical
example, there will be 20 surfaces, each consisting of an equilateral
triangle.
Different viruses have multi-faceted external shells by using
different geometrical shapes, such as pentagons. Other viruses have
tubular or cylindrical shapes, and to them, the laws of spiral sym-

metry apply.
It has taken science years to investigate viruses using x-ray

THE MICROWORLD MIRACLE The structures known

as icosahedrons pos-
sessed by viruses
consist of 20 surfaces
made up of equilateral
triangles.

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