Abstract

Purified preparations of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) contain ribonuclease which is either a constituent of the virion surface or an adsorbed contaminant. Treatment of the virus with nonionic detergent to activate ribonucleic acid (RNA)-dependent deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerase renders the viral genome susceptible to hydrolysis by the external ribonuclease. The extent of this susceptibility can be substantially reduced by the use of limited amounts of detergent. At a concentration of detergent which provides a maximum initial rate of DNA synthesis, the degradation of endogenous viral RNA results in a reduced yield of high molecular weight DNA: RNA hybrid from the polymerase reaction. Attempts to detect virion-associated deoxyribonuclease, by using a variety of double helical DNA species as substrates, have been unsuccessful, but small amounts of nuclease activity directed against single-stranded DNA may be present in purified virus.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.