Cryoelectron-Microscopy Image Reconstruction of Symmetry Mismatches in Bacteriophage φ29

摘要: A method has been developed for three-dimensional image reconstruction of symmetry-mismatched components in tailed phages. Although the described here addresses specific case where differing symmetry axes are coincident, is more generally applicable, instance, to images viral particles that deviate from icosahedral symmetry. Particles initially oriented according their dominant symmetry, thus reducing search space determining orientation less dominant, component. This procedure produced an improved sixfoldsymmetric tail assembly attached fivefold-symmetric prolate head f29, demonstrating this capable detecting and reconstructing object included a mismatch. f29 prohead using methods establishes pRNA molecule fivefold when prohead, consistent with its proposed role as component stator DNA packaging motor. © 2001 Academic Press