Specific serological relationships among partially purified DNA polymerases of avian leukosis-sarcoma viruses, reticuloendotheliosis viruses, and avian cells.

Abstract

Specific serological relationships were found among the partially purified DNA polymerases of the two groups of avian viruses whose virions contain RNA and a DNA polymerase-the avian leukosis-sarcoma viruses and the reticuloendotheliosis viruses-and three avian species which are natural hosts for these viruses: chickens, turkeys, and Pekin ducks. No relationships were found to DNA polymerases of HeLa cells or Escherichia coli. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that RNA viruses with a DNA polymerase originated from normal cellular components.