Structure and development of viruses as observed in the electron microscope. V. Entry and uncoating of adenovirus.

Stages in the direct penetration of adenovirus through the cell membrane are illustrated. Phagocytosis with rupture of the vacuole and release of virus into the cytoplasm may also account for entry of some particles. Uncoating by digestion within phagosomes was not observed. Rather, alteration of capsid and core occurred to virions free in the cytoplasm. Nucleoprotein released from virus close to the nucleus was transported to the nuclear matrix by a unique mechanism. These events were not prevented by puromycin and hence were not dependent upon the synthesis of new enzymes. They were, however, energy-dependent.