Purification and Properties of Bacteriophage MS2 and of its Ribonucleic Acid
Abstract
Methods are described for the isolation in pure form of bacteriophage MS2 and of its RNA. The virus has a particle weight of 3·6 × 10^6, and from phosphorus content is estimated to be 32% RNA by weight. The particle weight of the isolated RNA is 1·05 ± 0·1 × 10^6, indicating that there is one molecule of RNA per virus particle. The RNA is shown to have several unusual properties. In 0·2 M-NaCl it has a very small radius of gyration and a large sedimentation coefficient for its molecular weight, indicating a very compact structure. Upon heating the RNA in 0·14 M-NaCl solutions, the ultraviolet absorbancy transition has a midpoint at 76°C, suggesting a high degree of hydrogen bonding. In lower salt concentrations the RNA aggregates; in 0·02 M-NaCl the observed molecular weight is twice that in 0·2 M-NaCl, and in 0·003 M-tris it is 3 times this value.
Additional Information
© 1963 Elsevier Ltd. Received 18 February 1963, Revised 12 April 1963. The determination of the base composition and of the extinction coefficient of MS2 RNA were performed by Mr. John Sedat. This research was supported in part by research grant RG6965 and training grant 2G-86 from the U.S. Public Health Service.Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 67972
- DOI
- 10.1016/S0022-2836(63)80017-0
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20160616-110130048
- RG6965
- U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)
- 2G86
- NIH Predoctoral Fellowship
- Created
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2016-06-17Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-11Created from EPrint's last_modified field