Spermidine and spermine-Polyamine components of turnip yellow mosaic virus

Abstract

The polyamines spermidine and spermine were isolated from preparations of purified turnip yellow mosaic virus and identified by thin-layer electrophoresis in two buffer systems and by gas-liquid chromatography. The picrate derivative of the most abundant polyamine had a melting point which corresponded to that of authentic spermidine picrate. The polyamine bis(3-aminopropyl)amine, previously reported to be associated with this virus, was not detected. Spermidine accounted for approximately 1% of the virus weight, while spermine accounted for less than 0.04%. The total amount of the polyamines found was sufficient to theoretically neutralize approximately 20% of the viral ribonucleic acid. © 1970.