Abstract
Two-dimensional and three-dimensional crystalline arrays of adenovirus type 5 were rapidly formed in vitro in the presence of negative stains when applied according to the negative staining-carbon procedure. The adenovirus capsids within the crystal lattice were packed predominantly in hexagonal arrays. Capsids were observed to be packed in positions viewed along axes of threefold symmetry and in other lattice arrays showed capsids in twofold symmetry positions. These crystalline arrays were extended over areas of several hundred microns across and provided ideal specimens for both optical diffraction and low-angle electron diffraction studies. When the adenovirus preparations were subjected to different negative staining and pH conditions, the capsids were observed to disrupt gradually at the specimen support surface. The released components were studied at high resolution and the structural components associated with the hexon and penton capsomeres were resolved. A detailed scale model of the adenovirus capsid was constructed from the information contained in the electron micrographs and the model used to illustrate the possible packing arrangements of the icosahedral capsid and penton fibres in the observed crystalline lattice.
Published Version
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