The relation between virus-like particles and R bodies of Paramecium aurelia

Abstract

Virus-like particles can be seen in sections of kappa of stocks 7 and 562. The virus-like particles are specifically associated with R bodies and are rare or absent in kappa particles lacking R bodies. This observation clearly links the virus-like particles with kappa's toxic activity; it also supports the suggestion that kappa is infected with a lysogenic virus whose induction results in the production of the R body and viruses. Many ‘unfilled’ virus-like particles are present in whole kappa particles. Wound R bodies of stock 7 are surrounded by a sheath, whose breakage may provide the mechanism which causes the unrolling of the R body. One edge of the R body ribbon stains more intensely than the other.