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Virus particles from conidia of Penicillium species
Abstract:
Virus particles and their component double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) have been isolated from conidia and mycelia of certain Penicillium species. The conidia and mycelia of P. stoloniferum NRRL 5267 contained 75 and 85 mug of dsRNA/g (dry weight), respectively. Of the total dsRNA released from NRRL 5267 conidia, 10% was nonencapsulated. Conidia of P. brevi-compactum NRRL 5260 and P. chrysogenum Q-176 contained 2 and 120 mug of dsRNA/g (dry weight), respectively, whereas mycelium from the two species contained 3 and 95 mug of dsRNA/g (dry weight), respectively. No viruses were isolated from conidia or mycelia of P. stoloniferum NRRL 859. A method is described for disruption of both conidia and mycelia. The technique facilitates the isolation and characterization of fungal viruses and their component dsRNA and also potentiates surveying of fungal isolates for the presence of virus.
Insights
Certain Penicillium species harbor virus particles and double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA). A new method aids in isolating these fungal viruses and their dsRNA components for broader surveys.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Virus particles and double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) are found in various fungal species.
- Penicillium species are known to harbor such viral components.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of these viruses is crucial for fungal research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the isolation of virus particles and dsRNA from Penicillium species.
- To quantify dsRNA levels in different fungal tissues (conidia and mycelia).
- To introduce a novel method for fungal cell disruption to facilitate virus and dsRNA isolation.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of virus particles and dsRNA from conidia and mycelia of Penicillium species.
- Quantification of dsRNA using spectrophotometric methods.
- Development and application of a fungal cell disruption technique.
Main Results:
- Virus particles and dsRNA were successfully isolated from Penicillium stoloniferum NRRL 5267, P. brevi-compactum NRRL 5260, and P. chrysogenum Q-176.
- dsRNA concentrations varied significantly across species and tissues, with P. stoloniferum NRRL 5267 conidia yielding 75 µg/g and mycelia 85 µg/g.
- A novel disruption method was effective for isolating viral components and enabled surveying for virus presence.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the presence of viruses and dsRNA in specific Penicillium species.
- The developed method enhances the ability to isolate and characterize fungal viruses and their dsRNA.
- This technique is valuable for systematic surveys of fungal populations for viral infections.