Genetic analysis of commelina yellow mottle virus (CoYMV)

Abstract

Commelina yellow mottle virus (CoYMV) is the type member of the badnavirus group, a newly-recognized plant virus genus whose members have a circular noncovalently closed dsDNA genome encapsidated in non-enveloped bacilliform particles. The CoYMV genome is 7.4 kb in size and contains three open reading frames (ORF's) , designated as ORF I, ORF II and ORF III, respectively. Only a portion of ORF III has a known function. Using site-directed mutagenesis, possible functions for ORF I, ORF II and the N-terminal portion of ORF III were investigated. Deletions at the beginning and at the end of ORF I did not have a significant effect on major virus functions (replication and movement).