In vitro translation of mRNA species from cells infected with Machupo virus.

RNA from Machupo virus infected cells was centrifuged in a linear sucrose gradient and RNAs from gradient fractions were tested separately for template activity in a cell-free protein synthesizing system from rabbit reticulocytes. Fraction 15-16 S programmed the synthesis of protein that migrated in SDS-polyacrylamide gel like the nucleocapsid protein of a purified virus. The synthesis of virus glycoproteins was not detected in the system.