Question

A fragment of TMV particle having 710 capsomers would have a length of

• A. 33 nm
• B. 99 nm
• C. 30 nm
• D. 100 nm

Hint:

For helical viruses, remember the total length = number of capsomers × rise per capsomer. TMV has ~2130 capsomers in reality, but in exam questions, the provided number must be used for calculation. Keep units consistent (nm).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus) is a helical virus. The length of the TMV particle can be calculated as: Length = number of capsomers × axial rise per capsomer. Axial rise = 0.14 nm per capsomer. Length = 710 × 0.14 nm = 99.4 nm ≈ 99 nm. Thus, option 2 is correct.