The characteristic size of a pollen grain is about 300 times the characteristic size of a virus. Selected basis: a representative value for Virus; a representative value for Pollen grain; approximate values.
The ring marks the true-scale position of a virus; it does not show its width. Only the inset is enlarged (×95.1).
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
100 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 scale30 µm - Characteristic size; representative.
A pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant. Its resistant outer wall has a form characteristic of the plant species.
A chosen 30 µm pollen grain. Plant species produce very different grains.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
There’s always another scale
MicroscopicVirus100 nmA virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.
MicroscopicPollen grain30 µmA pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant.
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.
Living thingsHoneybee1.5 cmA honeybee is a social insect that lives in a colony and gathers nectar and pollen from flowers.
Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Everyday thingsUS quarter2.426 cmA US quarter is a coin worth twenty-five cents, commonly used in United States currency.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?