The gene III product (P15) of cauliflower mosaic virus is a DNA-binding protein while an immunologically related P11 polypeptide is associated with virions.
Using electron microscopic immunocytochemical staining we demonstrate that the product of gene III of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) is associated with viral particles. Furthermore, a fusion protein, expressed in bacteria, consisting of the N-terminus of beta-galactosidase and the complete gene III protein of CaMV showed DNA-binding activity. From these two results, we discuss the possible function of this viral polypeptide.
Giband
M
M
Laboratoire de Virologie, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 15 rue Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cédex, France.
Mesnard
J M
JM
Lebeurier
G
G