Methods in Virology

Methods in Virology, Volume VIII focuses on the methods used in virology, including microscopy, hybridization, viruses, and fingerprint analysis. The selection first offers information on the hybridization of viral nucleic acids; applications of oligonucleotide fingerprinting to the identification of viruses; and immunosorbent electron microscopy in plant virus studies. Discussions focus on the detection of double-stranded RNA, principles and mechanisms of fingerprint analysis, preparation of labeled nucleic acid probes, and basic methods of nucleic acid hybridization. The text then elaborates on quantitative transmission electron microscopy for the determination of mass-molecular weight of viruses and use of thin sectioning for visualization and identification of plant viruses. Topics include technical procedures for processing plant tissues, cytological modifications of diagnostic value, procedure and treatment of data to obtain the average mass of virus particles, and applications in virology. The book takes a look at the detection of genome-linked proteins of plant and animal viruses; methods for assay, purification, and characterization of prions; and the use of mosquitoes to detect and propagate viruses. The selection is a valuable source of information for researchers interested in the methods employed in virology.