Molecular weight estimates of vesicular stomatitis virus ribonucleic acids from virions, defective particles, and infected cells.

Abstract

Ribonucleic acid from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) virions (B particles), defective particles (T), and infected cells was examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and apparent molecular weights were estimated. B particle RNA of 4.0×106 daltons from Indiana strain L and from Cocal virus was distinguishable from RNA of 4.5×106 daltons from Indiana strain BT-78 and several strains of New Jersey VSV. Abundant T particle RNA of 1.0×106 daltons, was present in one Indiana L stock and was absent in a plaque purified stock. Cocal virus had T particle RNA of 0.7×106 daltons, and one stock of Ogden strain New Jersey VSV had T particle RNA of 1.2×106 daltons. Little or no T particle RNA was detectable in several other VSV stocks. Major RNA components with apparent molecular weights, 2.4, 0.66, and 0.31×106 daltons in cells infected with Indiana strain L were complementary to virion RNA. The size relationships of B particle RNA from Indiana L and New Jersey strains were examined by sucrose density gradient sedimentation of undenatured and of formaldehyde denatured RNA. Sedimentation of undenatured RNA led to a conflict with gel electrophoresis results, inferring New Jersey had a lower molecular weight than Indiana L, but upon denaturation the relation was consistent with electrophoresis results.