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The structure of insect virus particles

K M SMITH

    The Journal of Biophysical and Biochemical Cytology
    |May 25, 1956
    PubMed

    Insights

    Electron microscopy reveals distinct structures in insect viruses. Researchers compared virus particles from various insect diseases, noting differences in shape and membranes, with some particles appearing empty.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Entomology
    • Microscopy

    Background:

    • Insect viruses cause significant agricultural and ecological impacts.
    • Understanding virus particle morphology is crucial for classification and control.
    • Previous studies have characterized various insect virus types.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare the ultrastructure of virus particles from four distinct insect virus diseases.
    • To investigate the morphology, including shape and enveloping membranes, of different insect virus types.
    • To examine a novel virus disease in Tipula paludosa lacking polyhedra.

    Main Methods:

    • Thin sectioning of virus particles from infected insect larvae.
    • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural analysis.
    • Comparative morphological analysis of virus particles and inclusion bodies.

    Main Results:

    • Distinct morphological differences were observed among the four types of insect virus particles.
    • Cytoplasmic polyhedral viruses potentially exhibit composite particle structures.
    • A new virus disease in Tipula paludosa showed virus particles, some appearing empty, and complex membrane-bound inclusion bodies.

    Conclusions:

    • Ultrastructural comparison provides insights into the diversity of insect viruses.
    • The findings contribute to the classification and understanding of insect pathogenic viruses.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the nature of composite particles and empty virions.
    Keywords:
    VIRUSES

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