COMPLETE NUCLEOTIDE-SEQUENCE OF POTATO VIRUS-M GENOMIC RNA

The organization and complete nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNA of the carla-virus potato virus M (PVM)* have been determined. The genome is 8534 nucleotides long, excluding the 3'-terminal poly(A) tail. Six open reading frames were detected in the 5' --> 3' direction coding for proteins with molecular weights 223,206, 25,438, 11,893, 6739, 33,906 and 12,183 Da. According to the deduced amino acid sequence of the 223 kDa protein, it is the viral RNA replicase. The 34 kDa protein is the viral coat protein, as the in vitro translational product of this gene is precipitated by an antibody against the PVM particle. General aspects of the genomic structure of carla- and potexviruses are discussed.