Hey! No worries, I can help clear that up! 😊 So, the capsid is like the protein shell that surrounds a virus and protects its genetic material. A helical capsid is shaped like a spiral or cylinder. The proteins are arranged in a way that forms a helix around the viral RNA. You can think of it like a spiral staircase. An example of a virus with a helical capsid is the influenza virus (flu) — it’s got that classic spiral shape!
On the other hand, an icosahedral capsid is more like a soccer ball! ⚽ It’s made up of 20 triangular faces, giving it a really symmetrical structure. Viruses with this type of capsid tend to have more complex genomes and are often more stable. A good example of a virus with an icosahedral capsid is the adenovirus, which causes common cold-like symptoms.
Hope that clears it up! 😊