Bacteriophage p22

Above: graphic of Bacteriophage p22 virus #1 (black background). Image measures 600 pixels across, original image is 5000 pixels across. See P22 as a 3D anaglyph & P22 as a 3D stereo image pair.

Above: graphic of Bacteriophage p22 virus #2. Image measures 600 pixels across, original image is 5000 pixels across. See P22 as a 3D anaglyph & P22 as a 3D stereo image pair.

P22 Bacteriophages are double stranded DNA viruses (family Podoviridae) that attack salmonella bacteria. They are encased in an icosahedral protein capsid which contains the coiled genome (shown here as concentric reddish shells just visible through the translucent sepia capsid). At the bottom is the tail assembly that can penetrate bacteria and inject the viral genome. This tail also acts as a plug to keep the genome inside. With thanks to Ed Rybicki.

• Ed Rybick's ViroBlogy
• P22 stereo image pair

Above: graphic of Bacteriophage p22 virus. The genome (ds DNA) can just be glimpsed coiling inside the capsid. Image measures 400 pixels across, original image is 995 pixels across.