Electron microscopy of the influenza virus submembranal structure

Virology. 1989 Nov;173(1):311-6. doi: 10.1016/0042-6822(89)90248-1.

Abstract

Electron micrographs of stain-penetrated influenza virus particles show a variety of internal structures that all consist of units of 4 X 4 nm. Isolated influenza virus M-protein, that is reassociated with lipid, forms very similar structures on liposomes. We therefore conclude that the 4 X 4 nm unit is M-protein. We further argue that the M-protein is not arranged with icosahedral symmetry.

MeSH terms

  • Liposomes
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Nucleoproteins / ultrastructure
  • Orthomyxoviridae / ultrastructure*
  • Ribonucleoproteins / ultrastructure
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Virion / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Liposomes
  • Nucleoproteins
  • Ribonucleoproteins
  • Viral Matrix Proteins