Studies on the time of synthesis of Mengovirus ribonucleic acid and protein

Abstract

Mengovirus labeled with H 3-uridine and C 14-threonine was purified by adsorption onto and elution from a calcium phosphate (brushite) column. Purification studies are reported and a comparison is made between purification on a calcium phosphate column and by CsCl density gradient centrifugation. The synthesis of viral RNA and protein was determined from the virus specific activity (radioactivity per virus infective unit) as a function of time of addition of precursors to RNA and protein. Both viral RNA and protein are synthesized no later than 1 hour and at least 30 minutes before appearance of completed virions.