The capsid gives the virus its shape and protects the genome. It is composed of subunits called capsomeres, consisting of two forms of the protein CA (~250 hexamers and 12 pentamers). Initially, the capsid is shaped like an icosahedron. In the diagram provided, the blue circles in the image represent the capsomere subunits that cover the entire capsid.
During the replication process, the icosahedral-shaped capsid will restructure into a shape resembling a bullet or a cone called the capsid core.
