Atomic force microscopy examination of tobacco mosaic virus and virion RNA

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied to study uncoated virus particles and RNA prepared by stripping of tobacco mosaic virions (TMV) with mild alkali or urea and dimethylsulfoxide. We found that AFM is an appropriate method to study ribonucleoprotein and free RNA structures. Images of entire tobacco mosaic virions, partially uncoated TMV particles with protruding RNA molecule from one or both ends and individual RNA molecules are presented.