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High C + G content in parapoxvirus DNA.
The Journal of General Virology
|April 1, 1979
Summary
Parapoxvirus DNA exhibits a high guanine-cytosine (G+C) content of approximately 63%. This finding reveals parapoxviruses possess the highest G+C content among all examined poxvirus DNAs.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Parapoxviruses are a genus of viruses known to infect various mammals, including cattle, sheep, and humans.
- Previous studies have characterized poxvirus DNA, but comprehensive analysis of parapoxvirus G+C content was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the guanine-cytosine (G+C) content of parapoxvirus DNA.
- To compare the G+C content of parapoxviruses with other poxviruses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA from eight parapoxvirus isolates (stomatitis papulosa virus, pseudocowpox virus, orf virus) using cesium chloride (CsCl) density gradients.
- Calculation of the mole % G+C content based on buoyant density measurements.
Main Results:
- All examined parapoxvirus isolates displayed a consistent G+C content of approximately 63%.
- This G+C content is significantly higher than that of other poxvirus DNAs analyzed to date.
Conclusions:
- Parapoxvirus DNA is characterized by an exceptionally high G+C content.
- This genetic feature distinguishes parapoxviruses within the broader poxvirus family and may have implications for viral evolution and stability.