Abstract
Many single-stranded (ss)RNA viruses package their genome through a self-assembly process occurring within the host cell. Their survival depends upon the capability of capsid proteins to selectively capture the segments of viral RNA amongst a sea of host cell molecules, and concomitantly, to build up a defectless capsid. For simple icosahedral ssRNA viruses, the branched topology due to the RNA secondary structure is thought to lower the free energy required to complete a virion. We investigate the structure of nucleocapsids packaging RNA segments with various degrees of compactness by small-angle X-ray scattering and cryotransmission electron microscopy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
