"Killer" character does not influence the transmission of mitochondrial genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

No homology between double-stranded RNA and nuclear DNA of yeast

We investigated the possibility of sequence of homology between yeast DNA and one of the double-stranded RNAs present in many strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These double-stranded RNAs are encapsidated in virus-like particles, which appear to be similar to the viruses of higher fungi. Contrary to a recent report (M. Vodkin, J. Virol. 21:516--521, 1976), we find no such homology.

The 5' ends of yeast killer factor RNAs are pppGp

The 5' nucleotides of the double-stranded RNAs of yeast killer factor have been isolated by digestion with pancreatic, T1 and T2 RNase followed by two-dimensional electrophoresis. They were identified by bacterial alkaline phosphatase and snake venom phosphodiesterase digestions. Both the larger double-stranded RNA (L, of 2.5 x 10(6) daltons) and the smaller double-stranded RNA (M, of 1.4 x 10(6) daltons) have the 5' end groups pppGp. These 5' ends are dissimilar to those of the double-stranded RNAs of animal viruses but may be characteristic of the 5' ends of the double-stranded RNAs of fungal viruses.

Killer of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a double-stranded ribonucleic acid plasmid

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