Shifts in the electrophoretic pattern on the RNA genome of rotaviruses under different electrophoretic conditions

Substantial differences in the RNA electrophoretic patterns of rotaviruses were observed when the conditions for gel electrophoresis were varied. Electropherotypes which seem alike under one set of conditions, may appear significantly different under other conditions such as distinct proportions of acrylamide and bisacrylamide or different running buffer. Different patterns were observed for the same rotavirus RNA sample even when different voltages were applied to otherwise identical runs; these differences were probably caused by the increasing amount of heat generated at higher voltage. Although the conditions of electrophoresis did not have as pronounced an effect on 'double-stranded' as on 'single-stranded' RNA, precautions should be taken to obtain comparable and reproducible results. A standard methodology for 'electropherotyping' of rotaviruses is therefore suggested.