GEMINIVIRUS REPLICATION - GENETIC AND BIOCHEMICAL-CHARACTERIZATION OFREP PROTEIN FUNCTION, A REVIEW

Replication of the single-stranded DNA genome of plant geminiviruses f ollows a rolling circle mechanism. It strictly depends on a 'replicati on initiator protein' (Rep) which is the sole viral protein essential for replication. Rep protein catalyzes multiple reactions during the r eproductive cycle of the virus. Here we summarize the recent advances of in vivo and in vitro analyses of the various Rep protein activities in a model for replication initiation and termination. In addition, t he position of the geminivirus Rep protein within a general context of bacterial and mammalian replication initiator proteins is discussed.