4S component of influenza virion RNA represented by a set of tRNAs

The aminoacceptor capacity of the 4S fraction of influenza virion RNA--strain A/Texas 1/77a (H3N2)--was studied in a cell-free system containing individual 3H-amino acids and rat liver pH 5-enzyme preparation. The presence of at least 5 species of active tRNA was demonstrated. There were differences in the composition of the tRNA populations of influenza virus and of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane cells in which the virus had cultivated. These differences point to the selectivity of the process of incorporation of tRNA molecules from the host cells into the virions. The data obtained are discussed from the point of view of the functional role of the 4S fraction of influenza virion tRNA.