Scanning force microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy of tobacco mosaic virus as a test specimen.
In this study, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) provides a resolution criterion for specimen preparation methods as well as for imaging parameters of the scanning force microscope (SFM). We present scanning force microscopic images of the virus embedded in 0.5% buffered phosphotungstic acid solution adsorbed on a freshly cleaved mica surface, and imaged under atmospheric conditions. Individual TMV particles were clearly identified with a characteristic shape of long rods of about 300 nm long and 60-70 nm in apparent width due to the geometric parameters of the tip. The structure of the virus was compared with cryo-electron microscopic data of vitrified suspensions observed to a resolution of 1.15 nm. Uncoated TMV particles were also deposited on evaporated titanium thin films and imaged by SFM.
Zenhausern
F
F
Groupe de Physique Appliquée, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
Adrian
M
M
Emch
R
R
Taborelli
M
M
Jobin
M
M
Descouts
P
P
D015925:Cryopreservation; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010772:Phosphotungstic Acid; D014025:Titanium; D014027:Tobacco Mosaic Virus / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D010772:Phosphotungstic Acid; D014025:Titanium