Brick-shaped virus –
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of the morphology and classification of viruses. A brick-shaped virus refers to a specific type of virus that has a characteristic morphology, which is distinct from other types of viruses.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The brick-shaped virus is a type of Adenovirus. Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that have a non-enveloped, icosahedral capsid with a characteristic brick-like shape. The virion is composed of a protein capsid that surrounds a double-stranded DNA genome. The icosahedral shape is due to the arrangement of the viral capsid proteins, which are arranged in a repeating pattern to form the characteristic 20-sided structure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not match the morphology of the brick-shaped virus. The Adenovirus has a characteristic brick-like shape, which is distinct from the icosahedral shape of the option A virus.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it refers to a different type of virus altogether. The option B virus has a different morphology and classification than the brick-shaped virus.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it does not match the classification of the brick-shaped virus. The Adenovirus is a distinct genus within the family Adenoviridae, which is different from the classification of the option C virus.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Adenoviruses are a common cause of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in humans. They are also used as vectors in gene therapy and vaccine development due to their ability to infect a wide range of cell types.
**Correct Answer:** C. Adenovirus.