IN-VITRO DESTABILIZATION OF PLANT-VIRUSES AND CDNA SYNTHESIS

DNA copies of a wide range of RNA viruses can be made by the direct ad dition of appropriately treated, purified virus particles to a reverse transcription reaction. Therefore, many problems associated with RNA isolation can be circumvented. Virus particles can be sufficiently des tabilized by adjustments of salt content, buffer, pH or by the use of physical force supplied by a freeze/thaw cycle so that RNA in sufficie nt quantity and physical condition is available for the synthesis of i n some cases, full length cDNAs. cDNAs have been made of viruses in th e bromo-, poty-, carla-, ilar-, potex-, tobra and tobamovirus groups. Reported here are experiments with cowpea chlorotic mottle virus and b ean common mosaic virus.