There are several ways to see and study virus structures, and each method has its own strengths.

1. Electron Microscopy (EM):

   • This method can see tiny details (as small as 0.1 nanometers) of virus shapes.
   • There are two main types: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
   • TEM is great for looking at the virus from the inside out, while SEM shows a 3D view of the surface.

2. X-ray Crystallography:

   • This technique helps scientists figure out the 3D shapes of viral proteins at a very small scale (about 1-3 angstroms).
   • It’s important for understanding how viruses work and how they interact with other things.

3. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy:

   • This method is helpful for studying smaller viruses or specific proteins in a liquid.
   • It gives detailed information about how viral molecules move and change shape.

4. Cryo-Electron Tomography:

   • This technique allows scientists to see viral structures in a state that is very close to their natural form by freezing them in a special liquid.
   • It helps us understand how complex virus assemblies work while they are active.

5. Bioinformatics:

   • This uses computer software to analyze genetic information and predict the shapes of viruses.
   • Resources like the Protein Data Bank (PDB) provide a lot of information on virus structures for scientists to compare.

Together, these methods help us understand how viruses are built and classified. This knowledge is key for creating treatments against viral infections.