Models of virus capsids containing 72 pentameric capsomeres.

A simple model for describing the non-quasi-equivalent icosahedral virus capsid composed of 72 pentameric capsomeres is developed. By means of six-step operations, a new 4-gons polyhedron P is obtained which contains 72 pentagons, 80 trigons and 210 quadrilaterals. More importantly, it bears icosahedral symmetry. The rationality of the existence of the 4-gons polyhedron P is further discussed. The results show that this model can be used to represent the capsids of papovaviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]