Physicochemical properties of potato virus M
1Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA.
Virology
|March 1, 1984
Summary
Potato virus M (PVM), a carlavirus, has a single capsid protein and a single-stranded RNA genome. PVM infection is associated with virus-specific double-stranded RNA, aiding in its characterization.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Potato virus M (PVM) is a significant pathogen within the carlavirus group.
- Understanding PVM's physical and molecular properties is crucial for disease management and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the physical and molecular properties of Potato virus M (PVM).
- To elucidate the genomic and structural composition of PVM.
Main Methods:
- Sedimentation analysis to determine sedimentation coefficient (S20,w).
- Buoyant density measurements in Cesium Chloride (CsCl).
- Spectrophotometric analysis for extinction coefficient and nucleic acid content determination.
- Molecular weight determination of the genome and capsid polypeptide.
Main Results:
- PVM exhibited a sedimentation coefficient (S20,w) of 157 S and a buoyant density of 1.322 g.cm(-3).
- The nucleic acid content was 6.0%, with a single-stranded RNA genome (MW 2.5 x 10^6) containing polyadenylate.
- A single capsid polypeptide (MW 35.7 x 10^3) and virus-specific double-stranded RNA were identified.
Conclusions:
- PVM is characterized by specific biophysical parameters and a defined molecular composition.
- The presence of double-stranded RNA is a consistent marker for PVM infection.
- These findings contribute to the fundamental understanding of PVM and carlaviruses.
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