Viral Ultrastructure
Viral Ultrastructure - Related Videos
02:53
Ultrastructural Analysis of a Mouse Brain Section Using Transmission Electron Microscopy
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2025
Source: Lutz, D., et.al. Assessment of Ultrastructural Neuroplasticity Parameters After In Utero Transduction of the Developing Mouse Brain and Spinal Cord. J. Vis. Exp. (2019).This video demonstrates the preparation and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of a brain section from a mouse pup. The protocol starts with osmium tetroxide-fixed tissue embedded in resin, followed by precise trimming to isolate the region of interest and ultramicrotomy to produce semithin and ultrathin...
03:50
Capsule-Based Negative Staining of Virus Samples on TEM Grids: A Heavy Metal Staining Technique to Visualize the Ultrastructure of Enveloped Viruses
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2025
In this video, we demonstrate the negative staining of enveloped virus samples using a processing capsule within the biocontainment environment. The negatively stained viruses can be visualized using transmission electron microscopy to investigate viral structure and morphology with nanometer resolution.
00:57
Viral Recombination
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2019
Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment. Viral Recombination Can Create New Diseases Some diseases can infect multiple species. For example, pigs can be infected by some human and...
08:22
Utilization of Capsules for Negative Staining of Viral Samples within Biocontainment
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Cited by 3 •
2017
This protocol provides instruction for negative staining virus samples which can easily be used in BSL-2, -3, or -4 laboratories. It includes the use of an innovative processing capsule, which protects the transmission electron microscopy grid and provides the user easier handling in the more turbulent environments within biocontainment.
00:56
Viral Structure
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2019
Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid. Structural Classes of Viruses Many criteria are used to classify viruses, including capsid design. Most viruses...
FAQs
These components perform distinct but connected roles. The genome carries genetic material, while the capsid organizes and protects it. An envelope can surround the particle, and associated surface proteins contribute to recognition of host cells. Examining their nanoscale arrangement helps connect physical organization with assembly, cell entry, and genetic-material delivery.
Symmetry and dimensions provide structural features that help distinguish viral particles and support classification. They also show how components are organized within the particle, which can clarify assembly and maturation. Measuring shape and size therefore links visible architecture to the developmental state and biological behavior of a virus.
Electron microscopy resolves viral features through electron scattering, whereas cryo-electron microscopy examines specimens preserved in a vitrified state. Both approaches can reveal particle shape, symmetry, dimensions, and structural components beyond light-microscope resolution. The distinction in specimen preservation provides complementary ways to investigate viral organization and mechanisms.
A structural analysis begins with viral particles prepared for electron-based imaging; cryo-electron microscopy uses vitrified specimens, while other electron-microscopy approaches rely on electron scattering to resolve nanoscale features. Imaging then permits examination of particle shape, symmetry, dimensions, and associated components, producing structural information for classification and mechanistic studies.
Structural information is particularly valuable when researchers need to relate particle architecture to host-cell recognition, entry, maturation, or delivery of genetic material. Comparing the arrangement of capsids, envelopes, and surface proteins can clarify how a particle interacts with its host. These findings support broader studies of host-pathogen interactions.
Detailed particle architecture provides a structural basis for several applications. It can inform antiviral development by identifying relevant viral features, support vaccine design through improved understanding of particle organization, and guide engineering of viral vectors for research or therapeutic use. Structural characterization also helps connect these applications with classification and particle maturation.