Researchers see individual virus formation for the first time

The researchers of USA captured images of formation of viruses from particles. The research provided a detailed view of mechanism with which the particles self – assembled to form a parasite. The study was performed on single stranded RNA virus. The researchers believe that this new advancement will help to find new treatment approaches for viral diseases.

About Research

The research proved that virus can derive from any kind of particles. As the proteins from the particles arranged themselves around the nucleic acid, the scientists introduced RNA substrate. The arrangement around the nucleic acid then began to create spots. The spots when grew turned out to be viruses. The arrangement was not growing till the nucleic acid was introduced.

Hence, the study shows that viruses can derive themselves from any particle. However, they require specific strata like that nucleic acid.

Key findings of the research

• The viruses when formed were of 30 nanometers in diameter and had about 180 identical proteins
• The proteins arranged themselves around the RNA (Ribo – Nucleic Acid) to form hexagons and pentagons during the virus formation. This formation is called capsid
• The technique called Inferometric Scattering Microscopy was used to capture the formation process. The technique does not show virus structure, however, reveals its size and how it changes with time
• The researchers are still puzzled about the nucleus assembly.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2019