ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE OF MYXOMA VIRUS AND SOME REACTIVABLE DERIVATIVES.

Padgett, Billie L. (University of Wisconsin, Madison), Margaret J. Wright, Anne Jayne, and Duard L. Walker. Electron microscopic structure of myxoma virus and some reactivable derivatives. J. Bacteriol. 87:454-460. 1964.-The phosphotungstate negative staining technique was used to study the fine structure of myxoma virus particles and of reactivable derivatives in an electron microscope. Two general types of particles were observed in preparations of myxoma virus grown in rabbit kidney cells in tissue culture. The most common form is rounded or rectangular, with an average length and width of 296 by 254 mmu. The surface of this type of particle is convoluted, and is composed of tubular elements arranged in a complex fashion; the particle is frequently surrounded by a membrane. The second form, which was seen less frequently, is more rectangular and slightly larger. It has a closely fitting membrane, a finely granular surface, and the only internal structures discernible are present in a zone about 150 A wide, just beneath the membrane. Reactivable myxoma virus particles were prepared by treating myxoma virus with heat, urea, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and ethyl ether. The appearance of the particles after inactivation by heat, urea, and sodium dodecyl sulfate is described.