Identification of small polyhedral virus particles in thin sections of plant cells by an enzyme cytochemical technique

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An enzyme cytochemical method for distinguishing particles of small polyhedral plant viruses containing single-stranded RNA from those of ribosomes in thin sections of infected cells is described. The method was completely satisfactory for plant cells infected by six of the nine viruses tested. Particles of each of these retained their encapasidated RNA and hence its densely staining properties, when aldehyde-fixed tissues were treated with RNase under conditions appropriate for the digestion of RNA from cytoplasmic ribosomes. However, in cells infected by three of the viruses studied, all of which are known to synthesize empty protein shells, enzyme treatment also removed some of the virus-encapsidated RNA. It is concluded that although the method used has considerable merit for cytopathological studies of cells infected by viruses, it should be used with caution.

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