The spherically averaged structure of a DNA isometric plant virus: cauliflower mosaic virus.

The organization of cauliflower mosaic virus was reinvestigated by neutron small-angle scattering in buffers containing various amounts of D2O. The molecular weight of the virions and their DNA content were determined and found to agree well with the known primary structure of the nucleic acid. The capsid probably possesses a T = 7 icosahedral organization. The exceptionally low packing density of the outer protein shell may account for some of the unusual properties of these very stable virions.