Characterization of the polyhedral envelope of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Heliothis virescens

Abstract The polyhedral envelope of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Heliothis virescens was separated from the matrix proteins and nucleocapsids by alkaline dissolution and differential centrifugation. Spectrophotometric analyses and histochemical staining demonstrated that the envelope was composed of carbohydrates. The envelope contained 60.9% (by weight) hexose and 29.1% pentose. Further examination revealed significant amounts of uronic acids (8.4%) and hexosamines (1.6%).