Bacteriophage T4
Bacteriophage T4 is a virus that infects bacteria. Its angular head contains genetic material and its tail attaches to a bacterial host.
Also known as: T4 phage, T-even bacteriophage
How big is it?
200 nm · head-to-tail length
Head-to-tail length · representative
Typical recorded range: 180 nm to 220 nm.
A little perspective
Bacteriophage T4 vs Virus: length comparison
The head-to-tail length of a bacteriophage T4 is about 2 times the characteristic size of a virus.
A virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Bacteriophage T4
Head-to-tail length: 200 nm; representative; range 180 nm–220 nm.
A representative T4 bacteriophage about 200 nm from capsid top to tail end. Tail fibres extend beyond the central head-and-tail measurement and the illustration is schematic.
NCBI Bookshelf — Bacteriophage T4
The marked head-to-tail length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Virus
Characteristic size: 100 nm; representative.
A chosen 100 nm viral particle, including the approximate envelope. Viruses vary greatly.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 200 nm
We compare the head-to-tail length of a bacteriophage T4. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary. The recorded range is 180 nm to 220 nm.
A representative T4 bacteriophage about 200 nm from capsid top to tail end. Tail fibres extend beyond the central head-and-tail measurement and the illustration is schematic.
The marked vertical span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 nm | 180 nm to 220 nm | representative |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMicroscopic objectsVirus100 nmCharacteristic sizeA virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.
Around the same scaleMicroscopic objectsInfluenza virion100 nmRepresentative envelope diameterAn influenza virion is a single infectious particle of the influenza virus, consisting of genetic material inside a lipid envelope.
Nearest higher valueMicroscopic objectsBacterium2 µmLengthA bacterium is a single-celled microorganism without a membrane-bound nucleus.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NCBI Bookshelf — Bacteriophage T4T4 morphology and characteristic head-tail scale; dimensions vary with preparation and measurement convention.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MicroscopicVirus100 nmA virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.MicroscopicBacterium2 µmA bacterium is a single-celled microorganism without a membrane-bound nucleus.
MicroscopicDNA double helix2 nmDNA is the molecule that stores hereditary information in living organisms.MicroscopicInfluenza virion100 nmAn influenza virion is a single infectious particle of the influenza virus, consisting of genetic material inside a lipid envelope.
MicroscopicRibosome25 nmA ribosome is a molecular machine that builds proteins by reading instructions carried by messenger RNA.
MicroscopicIgG antibody molecule14.5 nmAn IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.
MicroscopicPlatelet3 µmA platelet is a small blood-cell fragment that helps form clots and stop bleeding after a blood vessel is damaged.
MicroscopicYeast cell5 µmYeast is a group of single-celled fungi.