Self-assembling virus kit.

The self-assembling virus kit is an analog system demonstrating the process by which many viruses assemble in the body. Magnets represent electrostatic attractions and repulsions. The random shaking motion brings the magnets into contact with each other, establishing a bond. The bond can be broken, but as more virus pentamer bond together, the structure becomes stronger and stronger until the final capsid shape is taken.

Each virus pentamer is 2.2 cm by 2.1cm by 0.4cm. The final capsid has a 6cm diameter. The bottle is 15cm by 10cm radius.