Physical measurements on the lipid-containing bacteriophage phi 6.

Bacteriophage phi 6 has been studied by small-angle X-ray scattering intensity-fluctuation spectroscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation, and spectroscopy. The sedimentation coefficient (S(0)0,w) is 375 S, the diffusion coefficient (D(0)20, w) is 2.66 x 10(-8) cm 2/s. Using the Svedberg equation and and an estimate of the partial specific volume, the Mr is 1.49 +/- 0.32 x 10(8). A simple model which describes phi 6, is a central sphere consisting of RNA and protein of radius 330 A and an outer shell of low electron density 40 A thick. The RNA may form five concentric shells in the region r = 140-290 A.