Abstract
Intact MS2 virus was reacted with succinic anhydride to modify the protein coat and then treated with RNase Tl to obtain controlled hydrolysis of the viral RNA. Viral protein and enzyme were removed by phenol extraction. The RNA fraction was adsorbed on DEAE-cellulose and eluted stepwise with 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 M NH4HCO3, pH 8.6. tRNAarg, used as a marker, was eluted in the 1.0 M NH4HCO3 fraction. The oligomers in the 1.0 M fraction isolated from the viral derivative were further examined by paper chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and sucrose gradient cestrifuga-tion. Yields of the large oligomer fraction as defined by elution with 1.0 MNH4HCO3 from DEAE-cellulose ranged from 51–86% of the amount applied.