Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Monitoring Influenza Virus Survival Outside the Host Using Real-Time Cell Analysis
Published on: February 20, 2021
THE SEDIMENTATION RATE OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF INFLUENZA A VIRUS
1Department of Animal and Plant Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, New Jersey.
Abstract:
The sedimentation rates of the mouse infectivity principles of the PR8 and the F12 strains of influenza A virus were shown by studies in the separation cell to have values which are not significantly different from sedimentation rates of the principal components of purified preparations. It was shown further that the bulk of the chicken red blood cell agglutinating activity and of the chick embryo infectivity of PR8 influenza virus preparations sediments at the same rate as that of the 100 mmicro. component. Some activity was shown to be associated with aggregates. These results lend strong support to the assumption that the three biological activities are associated with the particles characterized as spheres with a diameter of about 100 mmicro.
Insights
Influenza A virus infectivity and red blood cell agglutination are linked to 100 mm particles. These findings support the association of biological activities with specific influenza virus components.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Influenza A virus exhibits multiple biological activities, including infectivity and hemagglutination.
- Understanding the physical properties of influenza virus is crucial for characterizing its infectious agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sedimentation rates of mouse infectivity principles for PR8 and F12 influenza A virus strains.
- To correlate biological activities (infectivity and hemagglutination) with specific influenza virus components.
Main Methods:
- Sedimentation rate analysis using a separation cell.
- Assay of mouse infectivity, chicken red blood cell agglutination, and chick embryo infectivity.
Main Results:
- Sedimentation rates of mouse infectivity principles were comparable to principal components of purified influenza A virus.
- The majority of hemagglutinating activity and chick embryo infectivity sedimented at the same rate as the 100 mm component.
- Some biological activity was associated with aggregated influenza virus particles.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the association of mouse infectivity, hemagglutination, and chick embryo infectivity with the 100 mm spherical particles of influenza A virus.
Related Concept Videos
Influenza
Inhibitors Of Virion Release
Leaky Scanning

