Although most viruses are extremely small, some recently discovered giant viral species, such as *Pandoravirus salinus* and *Pithovirus sibericum*, have physical sizes that approach the size of a bacterial cell.

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Virion sizes typically range from $${}20\text{ nm}$$ to $${}900\text{ nm}$$, making them much smaller than cells. This difference is shown on a scale where a frog egg is $${}1\text{ mm}$$, human eggs are $${}400\text{ }\mu\text{m}$$, plant and animal cells are $${}10\text{ }\mu\text{m}$$ to $${}100\text{ }\mu\text{m}$$, red blood cells are under $${}10\text{ }\mu\text{m}$$, mitochondria and bacteria are $${}1\text{ }\mu\text{m}$$, smallpox is $${}500\text{ nm}$$, flu virus is $${}100\text{ nm}$$, polio virus is $${}50\text{ nm}$$, proteins are $${}5\text{ nm}$$ to $${}10\text{ nm}$$, lipids are $${}1\text{ nm}$$ to $${}5\text{ nm}$$, and atoms are $${}0.1\text{ nm}$$.

Virion Size

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

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