If capsid proteins are not larger than 20-60 kDa, how do you make larger capsids? Increase the T number--the more subunits per structural unit (triangular face), the larger the capsid.

How capsids are formed?

Nascent capsids are filled with viral DNA (through the portal complex) in a process that requires energy. DNA is packaged in a “headful” mechanism whereby concatemers are cleaved at conserved sequences that define the genome ends. The DNA is tightly packed, producing a rigid capsid and the capsid is “sealed” by a PCP.

Do viruses build capsids?

The majority of the viruses have capsids with either helical or icosahedral structure. ... In some viruses, including those with helical capsids and especially those with RNA genomes, the capsid proteins co-assemble with their genomes.