Smallpox virus
Smallpox virus. Illustration of a smallpox (variola) virus. A membrane (blue) derived from its host cell covers the virus particle. Inside this lies the core (pink rectangle), which contains the particle's DNA genetic material. The core has a biconcave shape. The depressions in its upper and lower surface contain lateral bodies (purple, only upper one seen), the function of which is unknown. Smallpox is a disease that causes fever and often death. It was eradicated after a worldwide effort in the 1970s, but strains exist in research laboratories. For an artwork of the inside of a smallpox virus, see image C056/3332., by RUSSELL KIGHTLEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
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