Influence of embedding media on DNA structure in herpes simplex virus type 1

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Abstract
The organization of encapsidated herpes simplex viral DNA in situ was examined by use of the osmium‐amine stain specific for DNA. After either formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde fixation the DNA is packaged in a compact toroid without inner structure with Epon or GMA embedment but revealed a complex inner structure with Lowicryl K4M embedment. In the latter there was an inner cylindrical core, 50 × 80 nm, around which were apposed one or more thick filaments of 5‐8 nm diameter. Thinner DNA filaments of 3‐4 nm diameter form a cage of loose coils around the core with an intervening space of approximately 15 nm. Lowicryl embedding may be considered as a tool to investigate the packaging of viral DNA in virions.