The detection and characterization of an induced RNA polymerase in the chorioallantoic membranes of embryonated eggs infected with influenza A 2 virus

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An induced RNA polymerase was identified in the microsome fraction of the chorioallantoic membranes of embryonated eggs infected with an influenza A 2 virus. The activity of the polymerase, as measured by the incorporation of GMP- 3H into RNA from GTP- 3H, reached a maximum at 6–8 hours post inoculation and was about 10-fold greater than the corresponding incorporation of the microsome fraction of uninfected membranes. The polymerase was dependent upon the presence of Mg 2+ ions and all four ribonucleoside triphosphates for maximum activity and was not inhibited by DNase or actinomycin D. The RNA synthesized in vitro by the polymerase was shown to be a heteropolymer and to contain high molecular weight species sedimenting at 19 S and 14 S. These RNA species were similar in both sedimentation properties and nucleotide composition to the major RNA species extracted from the intact virus. The influenza A 2-induced RNA polymerase and its RNA product are discussed in relation to the function of the enzyme in the replication of influenza viruses.