Structural elements in adenovirus cores. Studies by means of freeze-fracturing and ultrathin sectioning

Abstract

Rod-like elements have been observed in adenovirions after freeze-fracturing of purified, semi-purified and intra-cellular adenovirus type 5. Their rod-like shape was clearly demonstrated by means of stereomicrographs. Ultrathin sections prepared in parallel with the freeze-fracture replicas revealed linear structures such as ribbons, rings or rods in up to 30 per cent of the semi-purified or intracellular virus particles. These observations indicate that the main 'structural element' in the adenovirus interior is a linear structure either fragmented into 5 to 6 'rods' or folded 5 to 6 times to fit into the inner space of the virion.

The architecture of adenoviruses: Recent views and problems

“…Thus they confirmed the previous reports by MalZEL et al (41) and HomvlTZ et al (84) to mention just a few of the papers. Our experience with averged right-handed GONs (45) has been that the peripheral hexons often deviate a little from the azimuth of the central ones. Similar ideas were expressed by RUSSELL et al (66), whereas PER~II~ and WI~mL~:~ ~ (55) indicated that "hexons within a nonamer are not arranged on a true p3 net" as proposed by CI~OWTI~EI~ and FRANKLIN (t5).…”

“…High resolution electron microscopy in con-junction with new preparation techniques produced a more detailed 3D-model of the hexon, now described as a 'hollow triangular prism' (45). High resolution electron microscopy in con-junction with new preparation techniques produced a more detailed 3D-model of the hexon, now described as a 'hollow triangular prism' (45).…”

“…High resolution electron microscopy in con-junction with new preparation techniques produced a more detailed 3D-model of the hexon, now described as a 'hollow triangular prism' (45). The most decisive reason for these changes was provided by tilting experiments which showed that the hexons or GONs are usually stained 'from below' and not 'from above' as was supposed in t975 (45). More recent studies of the hexon in our laboratory led to modifications of the previous model.…”

“…The hexon has a round base, a 'pseudo-hexagonal' waist and a triangular top. The orientation (= azimuth) of the 'triangles' was observed and described in 1975 (45) be mentioned that the orientation of the hexons in the capsid cannot be deduced from the model itself. 5) shows why we have postulated a 30 ° twist between the hexagonal waist and the top (50).…”