The higher molecular weight of rhinovirus RNA compared to poliovirus RNA may explain its increased buoyant density and acid sensitivity.
RNA size disparity may underlie rhinovirus biophysical traits; leaves open functional and translational implications.
An explanation has been sought for the high buoyant density of rhinoviruses, which are classified as acid-sensitive picornaviruses. Heat degradation of purified preparations of rhinovirus type 1B and poliovirus type LSc leads to the extrusion of ribonucleoprotein strands. Contour lengths of these strands were measured by electron microscopy, and the molecular weights of rhinovirus and poliovirus ribonucleic acid (RNA) were determined. Values of 2 x 10(6) and 4 x 10(6) daltons were obtained for the molecular weight of poliovirus and rhinovirus RNA, respectively. This additional nucleic acid in the rhinovirion probably accounts for the increased density and may be related to the acid sensitivity of the rhinovirus.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
McGregor et al. (1968) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: