title: Transcription of killer virion double-stranded RNA in vitro.
abstract: Intracellular virions of stationary phase ethanol-grown cells of a killer strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae contain encapsulated M (1.1 x 10(6) dalton) and L (3.2 x 10(6) dalton) double-stranded RNA plasmids. These virions also contain RNA polymerase activity which catalyzes the synthesis of full-length, single-stranded, asymmetric transcripts (denoted m and l) of the virion double-stranded RNAs. Product m is made by M-containing particles and shows complete sequence homology to M but not to L. Product l is made by L-containing particles and shows complete homology only to L. The products show no self-homology, indicating asymmetric transcription. Therefore, the polymerase appears to function in vitro as a double-stranded RNA transcriptase. The lack of sequence homology between M and L is confirmed.
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D010957:Plasmids; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded / Q000378:metabolism*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000378:metabolism; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014771:Virion / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D012367:RNA, Viral; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases