Fig. 2

Illustration of a cumulative damage model for uncoating. During reverse transcription, the core undergoes a series of three stiffness spikes during which the core structure becomes transiently bloated. Each spike corresponds to a distinct reverse-transcription stage which generates a localized defect in the capsid structure. The first, second and third spikes result from: (1) synthesis of minus-strand strong stop DNA; (2) elongation of the minus strand following the first strand transfer; and (3) synthesis of plus strand strong stop DNA. As reverse transcription is completed, the accumulated damage weakens the capsid resulting in its breakage