Size Estimation of Pichinde Virus RNA by Gel Electrophoresis under Denaturing Conditions

Abstract
RNA extracted from purified Pichinde virion preparations yields 4 major species, 2 of which appear to represent the viral genome while the other 2 appear to be cellular ribosomal 28S and 18S RNA. The MW of these RNA species were estimated by gel electrophoresis following denaturation by methylmercury or glyoxal/dimethyl sulfoxide. The values determined by the 2 methods are in close agreement. The average MW of L and S Pichinde viral RNA are 2.63-2.83 .times. 106 and 1.26-1.31 .times. 106, respectively.