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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
10:22
Transmitting Plant Viruses Using Whiteflies
Published on: November 8, 2013
Single-stranded DNA genome in a whitefly-transmitted plant virus
1Department of Plant Pathology and International Soybean Program, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
Virology
|November 1, 1977
Summary
Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (GYMV) contains predominantly single-stranded DNA. This research details its physical and chemical properties, marking a significant discovery in plant virology.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (GYMV) is a significant plant pathogen.
- Understanding viral genome structure is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the physical and chemical properties of GYMV DNA.
- To determine if GYMV DNA is single- or double-stranded.
Main Methods:
- Sedimentation analysis in sucrose density gradients and analytical ultracentrifugation.
- Buoyant density determination in CsCl gradients.
- Thermal denaturation and formaldehyde treatment to assess DNA structure.
- Nuclease sensitivity assays (DNase I, S1 nuclease, RNase A) and alkaline hydrolysis.
Main Results:
- GYMV DNA sedimented as a single component with varying sedimentation coefficients (s20,w) dependent on ionic strength and pH.
- Buoyant density in CsCl was 1.7170 g/ml.
- DNA exhibited hyperchromicity upon heating and formaldehyde treatment, indicating single-stranded regions.
- DNA was sensitive to DNase I and S1 nuclease but resistant to RNase A and mild alkali, consistent with single-stranded DNA.
- Calculated molecular weight ranged from 0.66 to 0.95 x 10^6 daltons.
Conclusions:
- GYMV DNA possesses characteristics of a predominantly single-stranded molecule.
- This study reports the first instance of a single-stranded DNA virus identified in plants.
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