Membranous structures associated with translation and transcription of poliovirus RNA.

Poliovirus RNA and proteins are synthesized in association with distinct membranous structures that were separated by means of Isopycnic centrifugation of cytoplasmic extracts in discontinuous sucrose-density gradients. Viral RNA is replicated in a structure that contains rapidly labeled replicative intermediate RNA and viral RNA polymerase associated with the smooth membrane fraction. In sucrose gradients this viral RNA replication complex is distributed at densities in the range of 1.12 to 1.18 grams per cubic centimeter. Viral proteins are synthesized on polyribosomes bound to membranes and sediment with polyribosomes at densities of less than 1.25 grams per cubic centimeter.