Isolation and characterization of a double-stranded DNA mycovirus infecting the aquatic fungus, Rhizidiomyces.

Isometric particles 60 nm in diameter were isolated from the culture filtrate of the aquatic fungus, Rhizidiomyces, via pressure dialysis. The virus particles had a sedimentation coefficient of 625 S and a buoyant density of CsCI of 1.314 g/ml. The nucleic acid was dsDNA present as a single molecule (MW = 16.8 x 10(6)). Gel electrophoresis revealed 14+ protein bands ranging from MW of 84,500 to 26,000, with the largest one being dominant. This mycovirus appears to be distinct from all previously characterized viruses.