The Mature Capsid Structure Filled and Empty Shells

The Mature Capsid Structure Filled and Empty Shells 

We suggest that the expansion transformation involves a subunit rotation mechanism, as visualized at the level of a quasi-atomic model for phage HK97 (Conway et al, 2001). Specifically, rotation of gplO subunits about axes in the plane of the capsid shell and extending radially outward from the local symmetry axis may bring densities that were formerly on the inner surface into the plane of the shell. To accommodate these densities, the centers of adjacent capsomers are pushed further apart. Concomitantly, the gp9 scaffold protein subunits are released. Both of these effects have the effect of making the mature capsid thinner walled and smoother surfaced than its precursor. 

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VII. The Mature Capsid Structure Filled and Empty Shells. 310... 

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