Influence of embedding media on DNA structure in herpes simplex virus type 1.
The organization of encapsidated herpes simplex viral DNA in situ was examined by use of the osmium-amine stain specific for DNA. After either formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde fixation the DNA is packaged in a compact toroid without inner structure with Epon or GMA embedment but revealed a complex inner structure with Lowicryl K4M embedment. In the latter there was an inner cylindrical core, 50 X 80 nm, around which were apposed one or more thick filaments of 5-8 nm diameter. Thinner DNA filaments of 3-4 nm diameter form a cage of loose coils around the core with an intervening space of approximately 15 nm. Lowicryl embedding may be considered as a tool to investigate the packaging of viral DNA in virions.
Puvion-Dutilleul
F
F
Pichard
E
E
Leduc
E H
EH
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D005404:Fixatives; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D008867:Microtomy / Q000379:methods; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011817:Rabbits; D012117:Resins, Synthetic; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000032:analysis; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013997:Time Factors
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D004279:DNA, Viral; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D005404:Fixatives; D012117:Resins, Synthetic; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; C004875:EPON; C037883:Lowicryl 4KM resin