ANIMATIONS: adenovirus Ad-36 (implicated in obesity epidemic)

Adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) are small icosahedral viruses with characteristic fibres (fibers) radiating from the 12 vertices of their icosahedral capsids. These fibres are used in viral attachment to the host cells. The D species adenoviruses have shorter fibres than the more commonly known adenoviruses. The interesting thing about Ad-36 (and also Ad-37) is that they have been implicated in the human obesity epidemic.

In this computer graphic, the translucent yellow outer layer represents the viral hexon proteins (arranged as an icosahedral capsid). At the twelve vertices lie the pentons (purple) from which radiate the fibers (blue). The red inner ball represents the double stranded DNA genome (viral genes).