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Electron microscopic studies on intracellular phage development--history and perspectives
E Kellenberger1, H Wunderli-Allenspach
1Department of Microbiology, Biocenter of the University, Basel, Switzerland.
Micron (Oxford, England : 1993)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This review explores using thin sections to study bacteriophage head precursors, highlighting challenges like preparation artifacts. Integrating electron microscopy with other methods reveals insights into phage morphogenesis and form determination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Bacteriophage morphogenesis research heavily relies on understanding the assembly of viral components.
- Early studies, particularly with phage T4, established foundational knowledge but also revealed challenges with preparation artifacts.
Observation:
- Thin section electron microscopy is a key technique for visualizing intracellular bacteriophage precursors.
- Phage T4, while informative, is prone to artifacts like flattening and emptying due to its size.
- Artifacts can occur even in thin sections due to fixative-induced permeability changes.
Findings:
- The review integrates electron microscopy data with biochemical, genetic, and biophysical findings.
- Successful application of thin sections to T4 provided a basis for studying other bacteriophages.
- Electron microscopy is crucial for elucidating the morphogenetic pathways of various phages.
Implications:
- Understanding bacteriophage assembly and form determination showcases the power of integrated scientific approaches.
- This integrated approach is vital for deciphering the molecular mechanisms governing supramolecular structure formation.
- Insights from bacteriophage studies can inform broader biological research on self-assembly and structural organization.