The characteristic size of a virus is about 4 times the characteristic size of a ribosome. Selected basis: a representative value for Ribosome; a representative value for Virus; approximate values.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
25 nm - Characteristic size; representative.
A ribosome is a molecular machine that builds proteins by reading instructions carried by messenger RNA. Ribosomes are found in every living cell.
A chosen 25 nm ribosome. Size depends on organism and subunit state.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale100 nm - Characteristic size; representative.
A virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope. It reproduces only inside host cells.
A chosen 100 nm viral particle, including the approximate envelope. Viruses vary greatly.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
There’s always another scale
MicroscopicRibosome25 nmA ribosome is a molecular machine that builds proteins by reading instructions carried by messenger RNA.
MicroscopicVirus100 nmA virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.
Fundamental physicsProton1.682 fmA proton is a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of atoms, made up of quarks.
MicroscopicCell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
PeopleHair70 µmA hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.Side by side
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scaleGot a good eye for scale?