Caption

Dr Alan Hay, British virologist, holding a model of an influenza virus particle. Dr Hay was appointed the Director of the World Influenza Centre at the National Institute for Medical Research in London, UK, in 1993. His research is primarily concerned with the biochemistry of the influenza viruses and their replication. Part of the virus model has been cut away to show the ribonucleic acid (RNA, coils) inside the virion (particle). RNA encodes the virus' genetic information. Protein spikes used to adhere to host cells are also seen on the virus' outer membrane. At upper left is a micrograph of influenza viruses.