Demonstration of a core in poliovirus particles by electron microscopy

Electron microscopic examination of poliovirus in CsCl-solutions without conventional staining with phosphotungstic acid or uranyl acetate revealed the existence of cores inside poliovirus particles. Empty capsids could not be visualized by this technique. Evidently, CsCl can enhance the contrast of the virus particle to an extent sufficient for the study of poliovirus particles by electron microscopy under conditions in which they exhibit specific properties.