Genomic RNA of the Murine Coronavirus JHM

Abstract

Genomic RNA extracted from the purified murine coronavirus JHM sediments between 52S and 54S in aqueous sucrose gradients. The RNA is single-stranded and has an apparent MW of 5.4-6.5 .times. 106, as determined by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide agarose gels of different concentrations. The presence of polyadenylate sequences in the RNA is demonstrated by binding to oligo-(dT) cellulose and digestion with RNases A and TI. The purified RNA does not dissociate into subunits at high temperatures or in high concentrations of DMSO [dimethylsulfoxide] and is infectious.