The Structure and Replication of Semliki Forest Virus, A Mosquito-Borne Animal Virus

Author

Nicholas Hill Acheson

Date of Award

1969

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Abstract

Semliki Forest virus is a group A arthropod-borne virus which contains RNA and possesses a lipoprotein envelope. It can be transmitted among animals by mosquitoes in which it multiplies, but its natural host is not known. The virus grows to high titer in a number of types of vertebrate cells in culture. The growth of Semliki Forest virus was studied with the electron microscope during a single cycle of viral replication in chick embryo cells. The spherical virus particle consists of a nucleoid, or nucleocapsid, 280 A in diameter, closely wrapped in an envelope which consists of a unit membrane 75 A thick coated on its outer surface with projections 110 A long. There appears to be a narrow 10-30 A space between the nucleocapsid and the envelope. The diameter of the virus particle, excluding the projections, is approximately 500 A, and thus the whole virus particle is about 700 A in diameter.

Comments

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of The Rockefeller University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Phi10sQphy

Recommended Citation

Acheson, Nicholas Hill, "The Structure and Replication of Semliki Forest Virus, A Mosquito-Borne Animal Virus" (1969). Student Theses and Dissertations. 552.
https://digitalcommons.rockefeller.edu/student_theses_and_dissertations/552