The structure and composition of the myxoviruses. I. Electron microscope studies of the structure of myxovirus particles by negative staining techniques.

Abstract Preparations of viruses of the myxovirus group have been examined by electron microscopy by negative staining methods. Intact and disrupted particles of Newcastle disease virus, mumps, and Sendai virus reveal the existence of three main components. An inner structure has been observed arranged in the form of a helix resembling tobacco mosaic virus. A well-defined membrane with an outer surface surrounds the inner component. Influenza and fowl plague virus have also been examined by the same methods, and preliminary observations on the structural details are reported. Some structural divergence among members of the group have been observed and special features of the different strains are described.