CRC Handbook of Viruses

Book excerpt: As a distinct class of macromolecules, viruses are continually being studied in order to determine their properties. Following a knowledge of host-range infectivity, the particle mass-molecular weight of the virus and related properties - including size, shape, sedimentation, and diffusion coefficients - are also important characterizations. In the literature, these values have been determined for many viruses, and a variety of techniques are available by which such properties may be analyzed. Until now, there has been no single source for such information that the interested investigator may consult, and no databases provided this kind of information. CRC Handbook of Viruses: Mass-Molecular Weight Values and Related Properties corrects this deficiency by presenting such data for all classes of viruses; centering on viruses, their molecular weight, and their related properties; and acquainting the investigator to many methods for obtaining the mass-molecular weight value of viruses. This singular study explains the variety of methods available to the researcher as well as provides examples of each method. Molecular weight values are accessed directly from the book, saving the investigator a tedious search through the range of literature. Chapters discuss: Viruses as infectious agents and their role in establishing the relatively new discipline of molecular biology Essential components of viruses, protein, and nucleic acid - considering their discovery, nature, structural organization, and the forming of viruses from nucleoproteins Basic aspects of virus purification, preparative centrifuge, and various purification methods Basic aspects of crystallography, including procedures, x-ray analysis of the viral protein component, the arranging of subunits, and the composition of the intact virus Sedimentation experiments and studies used to obtain molecular weight Sedimentation and diffusion coefficients integral to the basic Svedberg equation Sedimentation equilibrium procedures The new Beckman Optima series of analytical ultracentrifuges Scattering studies, including small angle x-ray, small angle neutron, classical light scattering, and electron microscopy The renaissance of instrumentation in classical light scattering techniques Cold neutron facilities currently being set into operation by government laboratories Sizing and solvation of viruses in solution - their "natural environment" Critical modeling experiments Facilities and instrumentation for molecular weight studies - including the high voltage transmission electron microscope for obtaining mass values of viral inclusion bodies CRC Handbook of Viruses serves the: Researcher seeking values of virus molecular weight and related parameters Investigator getting started in virology and seeking information on physical chemical procedures Student interested in viruses as infectious agents