title: Diffusion constant and dimension of bacteriophage phi X174 as determined by self-beat laser light spectroscopy and electron microscopy.
abstract: The diffusion constant of bacteriophage phiX174 was determined by laser light self-beat spectroscopy. The method allows one to establish the diffusion constant in comparatively short time and with high accuracy. From the diffusion constant D(37) = 1.96 +/- 0.08 x 10(-7) cm(2)/s, the size of the virus particles within their aqueous milieu can be calculated. For phiX174, a diffusional diameter of 31.4 +/- 1.0 nm was found, in good agreement with measurements of diameters of freezeetched (32.3 +/- 1.8 nm) and negatively stained particles (33.8 +/- 2.1 nm), provided that the entire spikes of the virion are included. Other isometric viruses may show a complex interaction of the virion with the surrounding water and its ions.
mesh_terms: D003090:Coliphages / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004267:DNA Viruses; D004058:Diffusion; D005613:Freeze Etching; D007834:Lasers; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010772:Phosphotungstic Acid; D012825:Silicon; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014764:Viral Proteins
chemical_list: D014764:Viral Proteins; D010772:Phosphotungstic Acid; D012825:Silicon