Electron microscopic observations of tobacco mosaic virus structure

Abstract

The structure of tobacco mosaic virus as deduced from X-ray diffraction studies is briefly reviewed and compared with pertinent and often conflicting electron microscopic observations of apparent structure on the surface of this virus. Additional electron micrographs are presented which appear to show longitudinal ridges and grooves and a large transverse periodicity, both of which, at first sight, appear to be incompatible with the X-ray diffraction model. Difficulties inherent in the interpretation of the micrographs are discussed and several hypotheses are considered in an attempt to reconcile the results obtained by the two disciplines.