The formation of two-dimensional arrays of isometric plant viruses in the presence of polyethylene glycol

Abstract

The formation of two-dimensional arrays of isometric plant viruses using the negative staining carbon-film technique has been extended to include experiments on the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The original negative staining carbon-film method depended on the availability of freshly prepared highly concentrated plant virus suspensions, as material stored at 4°C from 24hr to several weeks resulted in a considerable reduction in the areas of crystalline arrays. The addition of PEG, mol. wt. 6000, to stored plant virus suspensions containing cowpea chlorotic mottle virus, broad bean mottle virus, turnip rosette virus and southern bean mosaic virus has resulted in the formation of extensive continuous areas of crystalline arrays.