φX174 Genome-Capsid Interactions Influence the Biophysical Properties of the Virion: Evidence for a Scaffolding-Like Function for the Genome during the Final Stages of Morphogenesis

Abstract excerpt

During the final stages of phi X174 morphogenesis, there is an 8.5-A radial collapse of coat proteins around the packaged genome, which is tethered to the capsid's inner surface by the DNA-binding protein. Two approaches were taken to determine whether protein-DNA interactions affect the properties of the mature virion and thus the final stages of morphogenesis. In the first approach, genome-capsid associations...