Methods in Virology

Methods in Virology, Volume V focuses on the methods used in virology, including hybridization, gel electrophoresis, freeze-etching technique, and ultracentrifugation. The selection first offers information on the fusion of cells for virus studies and production of cell hybrids; approaches to ultracentrifugation; and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of viral RNA. Discussions focus on applications to virological problems and analysis of results; analysis of the distribution of RNA on polyacrylamide gels after electrophoresis; and biological analysis of DNA components. The book then examines the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of viral proteins, DNA-RNA and DNA-DNA hybridization in virus research, and techniques of RNA-DNA hybridization in solution for the study of viral transcription. Topics include preparation of nucleic acids, hybridization and elution procedures that minimize RNA degradation, and procedures for acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The text takes a look at freeze-etching technique for the study of virus ultrastructure; procedures to increase virus yield from infected plants; and the immunoperoxidase technique. Concerns include principles of the immunoperoxidase technique, histochemical detection of peroxidase activity, sequence of events in virus infection, and factors affecting virus yield. The selection is a valuable source of data for researchers interested in the methods employed in virology.