Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
10:49
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Observations on the morphology of two rotaviruses
The Journal of General Virology
|November 1, 1977
Summary
This study used negative staining to reveal the structure of two rotaviruses. The inner capsid exhibits icosahedral symmetry with 180 units, and the outer capsid forms a honeycomb-like lattice.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Rotaviruses are a significant cause of diarrheal disease in infants and animals.
- Understanding viral morphology is crucial for developing effective antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the detailed morphology of epizootic diarrheic of infant mice (EDIM) and simian virus SA II rotaviruses.
- To propose a model for the arrangement of capsomeres in the rotavirus capsid.
Main Methods:
- Negative staining technique for electron microscopy.
- Morphological analysis of viral particles.
Main Results:
- The inner capsid displays icosahedral symmetry, composed of 180 morphological units.
- A specific arrangement of capsomeres was identified: 12 apical pentamers and 80 hexamers.
- The outer capsid forms a honeycomb-like lattice, mirroring the inner capsid structure.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model provides insights into the structural organization of rotavirus capsids.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of rotavirus architecture and assembly.
Related Concept Videos
00:56Viral Structure
Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
00:36Viral Mutations
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...
02:33Retroviruses
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
01:29Viruses of Archaea
Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...