As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is natural to wonder what the virus responsible for this global crisis actually looks like. While we may be familiar with the round, spiky depiction of the virus often used in news articles and social media, what does the COVID-19 virus really look like under a microscope? In this article, we will help unveil the mystery and explore the intricate details of the COVID-19 virus when viewed under a powerful microscope. Whether you are a science enthusiast, a concerned citizen, or just curious about this microscopic invader, let’s delve into the world of virology and explore what the COVID-19 virus looks like under a microscope.
Contents
What Does the COVID-19 Virus Look Like Under a Microscope?
Characteristics of the Virus
The COVID-19 virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, belongs to a group of viruses known as coronaviruses. The virus is spherical in shape and has a diameter of approximately 0.1 micrometers. It is an enveloped virus, meaning that it has a protective outer layer made up of lipids and proteins. This outer layer is studded with spike proteins that give the virus its characteristic “crown” or “corona” appearance under a microscope.
The genetic material of the virus is RNA, which is packaged in the core of the virus. The RNA carries the information needed for the virus to replicate and infect host cells. The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours and can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
Why Are Viruses Difficult to Observe with a Microscope?
Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and other microscopic organisms. The size of viruses typically ranges from 0.02 to 0.3 micrometers, making them difficult to observe under a light microscope. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be grown in culture media or observed using traditional staining techniques. This is because viruses are not cells, but rather infectious particles that require a host cell to replicate.
To visualize viruses under a microscope, scientists use electron microscopes, which have much higher magnification and resolution than light microscopes. Additionally, viruses need to be stained with heavy metals like osmium or uranyl acetate to increase their visibility and contrast under the electron microscope.
In conclusion, understanding the characteristics of the COVID-19 virus and the challenges of observing viruses under a microscope can help us to better understand the nature of viral infections and how to prevent their spread.
What Kind of Microscope Can See the COVID-19 Virus?
The COVID-19 virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, is an extremely small particle that can only be seen under a microscope. To observe the shape and size of this virus, scientists use an electron microscope.
An electron microscope is a powerful imaging tool that uses a beam of electrons to scan the surface of an object or sample. It can magnify tiny structures up to millions of times, making it capable of seeing viruses that are too small to be seen with a light microscope.
What kind of microscope can see COVID-19? Well, electron microscopes come in two types: transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) and scanning electron microscopes (SEMs). A TEM is used to observe the internal structure of the COVID-19 virus, while an SEM is used to observe the external structure.
Using an electron microscope, scientists have visualized the COVID-19 virus as a spherical particle with spikes protruding from its surface. The spikes are what allow the virus to attach to human cells and infect them.
In conclusion, an electron microscope is the type of microscope that can see the COVID-19 virus. Specifically, transmission electron microscopes and scanning electron microscopes are used to observe the internal and external structures of the virus, respectively. With the use of these powerful imaging tools, scientists have been able to gain insight into the structure of the virus and how it interacts with human cells.
Why Don’t We Look at Viruses Under a Microscope?
If you’ve ever wondered what the COVID-19 virus looks like, you might be surprised to know that we can’t actually see viruses under a traditional microscope. While bacteria and other microorganisms can be easily viewed through the eyepiece, viruses are too small to be seen due to their size.
So, why don’t we look at viruses under a microscope? The answer lies in the fact that most viruses are incredibly small. In fact, the majority of viruses are between 20 and 300 nanometers in size. To put that in perspective, a human hair is approximately 100,000 nanometers wide.
This small size makes it impossible for traditional light microscopes to view viruses in detail. However, advanced electron microscopes, which use beams of electrons instead of light to magnify images, can now capture highly detailed images of viruses.
Intermediate resolutions can, however, be achieved through other methods such as X-ray crystallography and Cryoelectronmicroscopy, but invariably all these methods require significant magnification to ‘see’ a virus.
In summary, viruses are so small that they cannot be seen under a traditional light microscope. While advanced electron microscopes can now capture highly detailed images of viruses, most researchers use other methods to study them. Despite this, extensive research on the COVID-19 virus has enabled scientists to understand its structure, and determine key characteristics that are crucial in developing vaccines and treatments.
How Powerful of a Microscope is Needed to See a Virus?
If you have ever wondered what the COVID-19 virus actually looks like, it is a tiny, round-shaped object that is approximately 125 nanometers in diameter. That is 125 billionths of a meter and is much smaller than what the naked eye can see. Because of its diminutive size, it is essential to use a specific type of microscope to view a virus.
There are various types of microscopes that can be used to visualize viruses, but the most common ones are electron microscopes. To be able to see something that is so tiny, a powerful microscope is needed. An electron microscope uses beams of electrons instead of light to focus on an object, and can magnify things up to 10 million times their actual size.
To put it into perspective, a typical compound microscope used in schools and laboratories has a magnification limit of 1,000 times. This type of microscope can zoom in on certain bacterial cells, but not on viruses as they are too small to be viewed.
However, even within electron microscopes, there are variations in their capabilities. To see a virus, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is needed, which has a higher magnification power than other types of electron microscopes. A SEM can magnify objects up to 100,000 times their actual size, which is more than enough to view a virus.
In conclusion, to view a virus, a powerful microscope is needed, specifically an electron microscope, and more specifically a SEM. While there are various types of electron microscopes, not all of them have the power to see viruses. Therefore, to better understand the COVID-19 virus, experts use powerful SEMs to investigate its properties and structure.
What Size is a Virus Under a Microscope?
The novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has swept across the globe in a short span of time. The virus is highly contagious and has claimed millions of lives worldwide. As the pandemic continues to ravage our planet, people are eager to know more about the virus responsible for the outbreak.
One of the most common questions is “What does the COVID-19 virus look like under a microscope?” The answer lies in understanding the size of the virus, and how it appears when magnified.
So, how long is a virus under a microscope? A virus is incredibly small, which makes it difficult to detect with the naked eye. In fact, the size of a virus is measured in nanometers (nm). To put things into perspective, one nm is one billionth of a meter.
Here are some interesting facts that shed light on what size the COVID-19 virus is under a microscope:
- The COVID-19 virus is spherical or round in shape, and measures approximately 120 nm in diameter.
- This makes the virus almost 1,000 times smaller than a single grain of sand.
- A virus is so small that it cannot be seen under an ordinary light microscope. It requires an electron microscope, which uses a beam of electrons instead of light to observe objects up to 10 million times smaller than a grain of salt, to visualize the virus.
- The COVID-19 virus is enveloped in a lipid membrane, which makes it more susceptible to disinfectants like alcohol and soap.
In conclusion, the size of a virus under a microscope is so small that it is almost unimaginable. While we cannot physically see it without the aid of technology, understanding its size helps us appreciate the severity of the situation we are in. COVID-19 may be small in size, but its impact on our lives is immense.
What Type of Microscope is Used to See the COVID-19 Virus?
- Electron microscope is the key tool to observe the COVID-19 virus.
- Unlike a light microscope, which uses visible light to magnify samples, an electron microscope uses beams of electrons that provide much higher magnification and resolution.
- The virus is extremely tiny, around 60 to 140 nanometers in diameter. Therefore, a tool that has the ability to examine objects at nanoscale resolution is necessary.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the specific technique used to study the structure of viruses, including COVID-19.
- In TEM, a beam of electrons passes through the sample, and an image is formed by capturing how the electrons interact with the sample.
It is hard to imagine the tiny size of the COVID-19 virus, which is about 1/400th the width of a human hair. Therefore, electron microscope allows scientists to see the intricate details of the virus that cannot be seen with a traditional microscope.
Using TEM, scientists have been able to determine the distinct spikes on the surface of the virus, which help the virus bind to and enter host cells. They have also discovered that COVID-19 has a unique genetic makeup compared to other coronaviruses.
In conclusion, electron microscope through TEM is the key tool required to study COVID-19 virus due to its small size. Thanks to this technique, scientists can unveil the mysteries of the virus at the nanoscale level, which can lead to better understanding of the virus and, eventually, to the development of effective treatments and vaccines.
So, that’s how big is virus microscope and how electron microscopes work that allow us to see the COVID-19 virus in detail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the COVID-19 virus is an incredibly tiny and complex organism that can only be seen through a high-powered microscope. Scientists and researchers around the world have been using various microscopes, such as electron microscopes, to study the structure and behavior of this virus in order to develop effective treatment and prevention methods.
Thanks to advancements in microscopy technology, we can now see the intricate details of the COVID-19 virus, which has helped us better understand its pathogenesis and evolution. However, despite these technological advancements, there is still much to be learned about this virus and its effects on the human body.
Overall, understanding the structure and behavior of the COVID-19 virus can aid in developing effective treatments and measures to combat the virus. It is crucial to continue further research and use of microscopy technology to enhance our understanding of this virus and how to combat it effectively.
References
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| What Does the COVID Virus Look Like Under a Microscope? | https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-under-microscope |
| Why are Viruses Difficult to Observe with a Microscope? | https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/why-are-viruses-hard-to-see/ |
| What Kind of Microscope Can See COVID-19? | https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/seeing-covid-19-virus-close |
| Why Don’t We Look at Virus Under a Microscope? | https://www.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/blog/why-dont-we-look-at-viruses-under-the-microscope/ |
What does the COVID virus look like under a microscope? The COVID virus is so small that it cannot be seen with the naked eye, but it appears as a spherical shape with spike-like protrusions under an electron microscope.
Why are viruses difficult to observe with a microscope? Viruses are much smaller than cells and require electron microscopy to view their structure. They are also unable to replicate without a host cell, making it difficult to capture virus particles.
What kind of microscope can see COVID-19? An electron microscope is required to see the structure of the COVID-19 virus. This microscope uses a beam of electrons to produce an image of the virus.
Why don’t we look at virus under a microscope? Viruses are small and difficult to observe without labeling or staining, which may change their natural structure. Additionally, electron microscopes require special preparation, and must be used in a vacuum to prevent electron scattering, making them difficult to use in everyday lab settings.
How powerful microscope to see virus? An electron microscope is required to view viruses, as it has much greater magnification and resolution than an optical microscope.
How long is a virus under a microscope? The virus can be viewed under a microscope for as long as necessary, but it requires special preparation and techniques to keep the sample stable and prevent electron scattering.
How big is virus microscope? The size of a virus can vary, with the COVID-19 virus being approximately 0.125 micrometers in size, which can only be seen under an electron microscope.
What microscope is used to see COVID? An electron microscope is used to view the COVID-19 virus, as it has the necessary magnification and resolution to capture the virus particles.
The Structure of COVID-19 Virus Under a Microscope
The COVID-19 virus belongs to the family of coronaviruses and has a unique structure that makes it difficult to observe with a traditional microscope. Like other viruses, the COVID-19 virus is not considered a living organism as it lacks the ability to sustain life on its own.
Why are viruses difficult to observe with a microscope? Viruses are incredibly small, ranging in size from 20 to 400 nanometers, which is much smaller than the limit of resolution of a light microscope. Therefore, scientists need a powerful electron microscope to magnify these tiny virus particles.
What kind of microscope can see COVID-19? A transmission electron microscope (TEM) is used to analyze the morphology and structure of the COVID-19 virus. TEM uses a beam of electrons to create a magnified image of the virus on a screen. With this powerful microscope, we can observe the spherical shape of COVID-19 with spike-like projections covering its surface.
Why don’t we look at viruses under a microscope? Earlier, scientists used to use light microscopes to magnify the virus particles, but due to their small size, they were not visible. With the advent of electron microscopes, scientists can now see viruses clearly.
How powerful a microscope is required to see a virus? As mentioned, an electron microscope is used to see the virus, and it requires a magnification of about 100,000 times to observe the structure of a virus clearly.
How long is the COVID-19 virus under a microscope? The COVID-19 virus is approximately 50 to 200 nanometers in size. When magnified under a microscope, the virus appears to be about 100-120 nanometers.
How big is the COVID-19 virus under a microscope? The COVID-19 virus particle is nearly 100-120 nm in size.
What microscope is used to see COVID-19? A transmission electron microscope (TEM) is used to observe COVID-19 virus and analyze its morphology and structure.
In conclusion, electron microscopy has opened up a new world in virology by allowing us to observe the intricate details of the COVID-19 virus. Understanding the virus’s structure can lead to a better understanding of how it functions and how to develop effective treatment methods.
Conclusion:
The COVID-19 virus is a microscopic structure that can only be seen with advanced and powerful microscopes such as electron microscopes. Although viruses are difficult to observe with a microscope, scientists have developed advanced technology to study them.
Using an electron microscope, scientists have been able to see the true structure of the COVID-19 virus, which consists of a spherical shape with spikes protruding from its surface. This information has helped scientists in understanding the nature of this virus and working towards developing effective treatments and vaccines.
It is important to note that a virus under a microscope appears incredibly small; the COVID-19 virus measures approximately 100 nanometers in diameter, which is roughly one thousandth the width of a human hair. This highlights the importance of having access to highly advanced microscopes that are capable of magnifying structures to such a minute scale.
In conclusion, what does the COVID virus look like under a microscope is a question that has been answered by scientists using advanced technology. While viruses are typically difficult to observe with a traditional light microscope, electron microscopes have allowed scientists to study the structures of viruses such as the COVID-19 virus in detail.
Microscopes Used to View the COVID-19 Virus
Different types of microscopes are used to view the virus, including transmission electron microscopes and scanning electron microscopes
The COVID-19 virus is incredibly small, measuring only about 0.1 micrometers in diameter. This makes it too small to be seen with the naked eye, and even too small to be seen with most light microscopes. To view the virus, scientists use specialized microscopes that allow them to magnify the virus up to several hundred thousand times its actual size.
There are two main types of microscopes that are used to view the COVID-19 virus: transmission electron microscopes and scanning electron microscopes. Transmission electron microscopes use a beam of electrons to pass through the virus, producing an image on a screen that can be magnified and analyzed. Scanning electron microscopes, on the other hand, use a beam of electrons to scan the surface of the virus, providing incredibly detailed images of its structure and shape.
Both types of microscopes have their advantages and limitations. Transmission electron microscopes provide high-resolution images of the virus’s interior structure, but the sample must be sliced into thin sections before viewing. Scanning electron microscopes provide detailed surface images of the virus, but can’t see inside the virus itself. Despite their differences, both types of microscopes have been invaluable in helping scientists better understand the COVID-19 virus and develop treatments and vaccines to combat it.
What Does the COVID-19 Virus Look Like Under a Microscope?
Under a microscope, the COVID-19 virus appears as a spherical shape with tiny “spikes” protruding around the surface. These spikes give the virus a crown-like appearance, hence the name “coronavirus”. The virus measures about 120 nm (nanometers), which is approximately 1,000 times smaller than the width of a single strand of human hair.
Why Are Viruses Difficult to Observe with a Microscope?
Viruses are challenging to observe under a microscope due to their small size and lack of color, which makes them nearly invisible in a typical light microscope. Moreover, they can only be seen if they are stained with specific dyes or fluorescent tags.
What Kind of Microscope Can See COVID-19?
The electron microscope is the most powerful tool to observe the COVID-19 virus. It uses a beam of electrons to produce an image of the virus at an extremely high magnification, enabling scientists to study its structure in detail.
Why Don’t We Look at Virus Under a Microscope?
The complexity of viruses and the lack of suitable equipment make it nearly impossible to look at them under a microscope. Since they are smaller than the resolution limit of most light microscopes, it isn’t possible to resolve them under a regular microscope.
How Powerful a Microscope Do We Need to See a Virus?
To see a virus, a microscope with a magnification of at least 500 times is needed. However, with a light microscope, the maximum magnification is around 2000 times, which is not enough to view viruses. Therefore, we need an electron microscope, which can magnify objects by up to two million times.
How Long is a Virus Under a Microscope?
A typical virus is approximately 20-300 nm in length, which is quite small compared to other microorganisms. Under an electron microscope, the COVID-19 virus appears to be around 120 nm in diameter.
How Big is a Virus Under a Microscope?
As stated before, the COVID-19 virus measures about 120 nm in diameter, exceptionally small in comparison to other microorganisms. A human red blood cell, for example, is approximately 7,000 nm in diameter, making it almost 60 times larger.
What Microscope is Used to See COVID?
To observe the COVID-19 virus, we use a transmission electron microscope (TEM) or a scanning electron microscope (SEM). These types of microscopes provide a more detailed image of the virus and can help scientists better understand the virus’s structure and behavior.
In conclusion, observing the COVID-19 virus under a microscope is a crucial aspect of understanding its composition and behavior. Though it is challenging due to its size and lack of specific color, the use of advanced tools like the electron microscope has enabled scientists to gain significant insights into the virus’s structure and behavior.
References:
- The COVID-19 virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, is approximately 60-140 nanometers in diameter. This makes it difficult to observe with a regular light microscope.
- Electron microscopes are needed to observe viruses due to their high magnification power.
- Transmission electron microscopes (TEM) can visualize individual virus particles and their ultrastructure. A study by the National Institutes of Health used TEM to capture images of the COVID-19 virus.
- Despite being relatively small, viruses such as COVID-19 are complex biological structures. They are made up of genetic material enclosed within a protein shell, known as a capsid.
- The capsid also contains membrane proteins that enable the virus to enter and infect host cells. These proteins play a vital role in the pathogenesis of the virus.
- Aside from electron microscopy, other techniques such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy can also be used to study virus structures.
- While observing viruses under a microscope can provide valuable information, it is important to note that viruses are constantly evolving and mutating. Therefore, the viral structures observed may not necessarily reflect the structures present in other strains or mutants of the same virus.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 virus is too small to be observed with a light microscope and requires high-powered electron microscopes to be studied. Its complex structure, composed of genetic material and a protein shell, can be visualized using techniques such as TEM, X-ray crystallography, or cryo-electron microscopy. Studying virus structures can provide valuable information, but it is important to remember that viruses constantly mutate, and new strains may not show the same structures as previously observed.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Overview
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, a virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, the virus has spread rapidly all over the world and has affected millions of people.
COVID-19 is a highly transmissible virus that spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. It can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Some people may also experience fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and congestion.
While most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment, some people can develop severe illness and may require hospitalization. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at higher risk for severe illness and death.
Diagnosis of COVID-19
The diagnosis of COVID-19 is made by laboratory testing. The most common tests include a nasal swab or throat swab for PCR testing, which detects the genetic material of the virus, or a blood test for the antibodies produced in response to the virus.
What Does the COVID-19 Virus Look Like Under a Microscope?
The COVID-19 virus is a type of coronavirus, which is a group of viruses that have a crown-like appearance under a microscope. The virus particles are about 50-200 nanometers in size and are composed of a lipid envelope that surrounds a nucleocapsid, which contains the genetic material of the virus.
Under the electron microscope, the COVID-19 virus appears as a spherical or oval-shaped particle with spike-like projections on its surface. These spikes are known as S proteins and are responsible for attaching the virus to the host cell.
The images of the COVID-19 virus obtained by electron microscopy have been crucial in understanding the structure and function of the virus, which has helped scientists in developing vaccines and treatments for the disease.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 virus may look tiny and harmless under a microscope, but it is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus that has caused a global pandemic. It is important to follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, including wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing hands frequently, and getting vaccinated when available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the COVID-19 virus compare to other viruses under a microscope?
COVID-19 belongs to the family of coronaviruses, which appear spherical with envelope projections under a microscope. Although similar in appearance to other viruses such as influenza and SARS, COVID-19 has a distinct spike protein on its surface, which allows it to bind and infect human cells with greater efficiency. The size of COVID-19 is approximately 120 nanometers in diameter, making it smaller than bacteria and visible only through an electron microscope.
How can microscopic images of the virus be used to track its spread?
Microscopic images of the COVID-19 virus have been crucial in understanding its basic structure and behavior. By analyzing these images, researchers and healthcare professionals can study the virus and develop strategies to contain its spread. Here are some ways in which microscopic images of the virus are useful in tracking its spread:
- Identification of the virus: Microscopic images of the virus help in identifying and isolating the strain responsible for causing the outbreak. This knowledge is essential in developing accurate diagnostic tests and vaccines.
- Detecting infected cells: Microscopic images can help identify infected cells in a sample, allowing for quicker diagnosis and treatment of those infected.
- Understand the transmission: Microscopic images of the virus can help researchers identify the potential transmission pathways of the virus, such as through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Monitor changes in the virus: By tracking the changes in the microscopic images over time, researchers can identify new strains and mutations of the virus, which can impact the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments.
In conclusion, microscopic images of the COVID-19 virus play a significant role in tracking its spread. By analyzing these images, healthcare professionals can develop effective strategies to contain the outbreak and ultimately protect the public’s health.
What other characteristics of the virus can be observed under a microscope?
Apart from its distinctive round shape and crown or corona-like spikes, several other characteristics of the COVID-19 virus can be observed under a microscope. These include:
- Size: The COVID-19 virus is approximately 120 nanometers or 0.12 microns in diameter, making it smaller than most bacteria and easily transmissible through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces.
- Envelope: The virus is enveloped, meaning it is covered in a capsid or protein shell and an outer lipid envelope, which helps it enter and exit host cells.
- Genome: The COVID-19 virus has a single-stranded RNA genome with a length of approximately 30,000 nucleotides. This genome provides the instructions for the virus’s replication within host cells.
- Spikes: The crown-like spikes on the virus’s surface are made up of glycoproteins or sugars and help the virus attach to host cells and enter them.
- Replication: The virus uses host cell machinery to replicate and produce new viral particles, which then go on to infect more cells and multiply within the body.
These characteristics, while seemingly small and simple, are what makes the COVID-19 virus so effective at infecting and spreading among humans. By understanding these microscopic details, scientists and researchers are better able to develop effective treatments and vaccines to combat the virus and prevent further spread.
Are there any safety precautions that must be taken when studying the virus under a microscope?
Yes, studying the COVID-19 virus under a microscope requires certain safety precautions to be taken to avoid possible infection. It is essential to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coat, goggles, and a face mask. The microscope and lab equipment should be regularly disinfected with effective disinfectants. Additionally, the virus should only be studied within a designated laboratory with appropriate certification and high-security measures.
How can the study of the virus under a microscope help aid in the development of treatments?
Studying the COVID-19 virus under a microscope has proven to be an essential tool in developing effective treatments for the disease. Here are some ways it helps:
- Identifying virus characteristics: Microscopic study of the virus helps identify its unique characteristics, such as shape, size, and structure. This information can help in developing specific treatments that target these characteristics.
- Understanding virus replication: Through microscopic observation, researchers can track the replication process of the virus inside human cells. This helps in identifying which stage of replication is most vulnerable and can be targeted for treatment.
- Screening antiviral drugs: Researchers can use microscopic images to test the effectiveness of various antiviral drugs on the COVID-19 virus. This helps in identifying the most effective drug or combination of drugs for treatment.
- Developing vaccines: Microscopic studies give insight into the structure of the virus, allowing for the development of vaccines that target the specific features of the virus.
In summary, understanding the COVID-19 virus under a microscope is an important step in developing effective treatments for the disease. By identifying its unique characteristics, understanding the replication process, screening drugs, and developing vaccines, researchers can work towards finding a cure for this pandemic.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 virus is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus, with an envelope and spike proteins. It has a diameter of approximately 125 nanometers and can be seen under an electron microscope. Its distinct shape and structure is what makes it so easily identifiable and unique.
References
