Atomic force microscopy visualization of RNA and ribonucleotides of the tobacco mosaic virus

High-molecular weight virus RNA on the surfaces of various substrates has been studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The process of releasing virus RNA from the protein shell under the action of chemical reagents has been studied. Special attention has been paid to the procedure of the preparation of samples and the immobilization of the structures under study. Images of the starting virus particles, partially deproteinized virus structures, and completely released RNA have been obtained. The images obtained have been statistically processed. The factors restricting the spatial resolution of the SFM patterns of the structures under study have been analysed.