Nucleotides at the RNA-DNA covalent bonds formed in the endogenous reaction by the avian myeloblastosis virus DNA polymerase

Abstract

Avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) DNA polymerase initiates in vitro DNA synthesis by a specific covalent joining of the new DNA strands onto tumor virus RNAs. Only certain deoxy- and ribonucleotides are found at the RNADNA covalent bond(s). Only dCMP is joined to the 3′-hydroxyl of rUMP and only dAMP is joined to rAMP. Thus, at least two DNA molecules are formed in the AMV endogenous reaction. dTMP and dGMP apparently do not serve as the first deoxynucleotides at the RNADNA junction. The results are discussed with respect to the termini and structure of the viral RNAs.