In vivo recombination of cauliflower mosaic virus DNA

LIGATION AND RECOMBINATION OF THE DNA OF CAULIFLOWER MOSAIC VIRUS (CAMV) IS DEMONSTRATED BY THE FOLLOWING EXPERIMENTS: (i) Ligation: Different noninfectious fragments of the CaMV genome (obtained after insertion into plasmid pBR322 followed by enzymatic excision) regained infectivity when mixtures of them were used to inoculate their host. The symptom appearance was delayed by comparison with a typical CaMV infection, and only the newly formed leaves were affected. (ii) Recombination: Pairs of noninfectious recombinant full-length CaMV genomes (integrated into pBR322 at different restriction endonuclease sites) regained infectivity upon simultaneous inoculation of a sensitive host. The symptomatology of the resulting infection was indistinguishable from that of a typical CaMV infection. We show that progeny DNA had the same characteristics (size, structure, restriction endonuclease digestion pattern) as bona fide CaMV DNA, and that the vector pBR322 had been completely eliminated. A cloned tandem dimer of CaMV DNA with a partial deletion similarly was infectious in the plant assays. This system should be useful to study the expression of mutant genomes, thus allowing characterization of the CaMV genes.

Detection in vivo of a new gene product (gene III) of cauliflower mosaic virus

Cauliflower mosaic virus DNA contains six major open reading frames (ORFs). As only the mRNA corresponding to the transcription of gene VI and its translation product have been isolated, the identification in infected plants of products corresponding to the five other putative genes remains to be established. The present paper reports the detection of an ORF III product by means of antibodies raised against an NH(2)-terminal synthetic peptide of 19 amino acids corresponding to a sequence predicted from the nucleotide sequence of ORF III. The detection of this gene product raises the question of the mechanism of its expression.

In vitro translation of tomato bushy stunt virus RNA

In vitro translation of tomato bushy stunt (TBSV)-RNA in a rabbit reticulocyte system resulted in synthesis of five proteins P 18, P 25, P 34, P 35, and P 40. The P 40 protein was identified as the viral coat protein. Fractionation of TBSV-RNA and subsequent translation provided evidence for the existence of discrete subgenomic RNAs.

The molecular biology of caulimoviruses

The molecular biology of the caulimoviruses has already inspired quite a few review articles: this review is limited to a general description of the type-member of this group, namely cauliflower mosaic virus. Details are presented of major results obtained on the organization and function at the molecular level of caulimoviruses and cauliflower mosaic virus in particular.

A simple gene-expression system for the small subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase in leaves ofNicotiana sylvestris

InNicotiana sylvestris only four transcripts coding for the small subunit of RUBISCO are present in leaves. They are very closely related as they are identical in the nucleotide sequence of the non-coding regions and show only three silent point differences in the region coding for the mature peptide.The main difference among these four transcripts lies in the length of the non-coding regions. Half of the SmRNA population as confirmed by direct RNA sequencing has an additional nucleotide sequence in the leader region. Two cDNAs have an additional nucleotide sequence at the end of the 3' non-coding region. Based on these criteria the transcripts were classified into two groups:.group I has a 73-nucleotide-long leader sequence and the nucleotides T, A and C at position 327, 432 and 519 in the coding region..group II has a 60-nucleotide-long leader sequence and the nucleotides C, G and T at these positions in the coding region.The two cDNAs showing a difference in the length of the 3' non-coding region belong to group II.The study of all these transcripts argues for the possibility that only two families of genes are expressed in leaves ofN. sylvestris.

Incidence of specific anosmia in Northern Germany

Thresholds for the perception of 6 primary odorants were tested in a sample of 153 unrelated healthy individuals including 101 males and 52 females. Using some special precautions and directions for preparing aqueous solutions of primary odorants, screening for specific anosmia was found to be a practicable method with reliable results. The observed perception thresholds showed a bimodal distribution. Individuals with higher values probably are specific anosmics. Relatively lower frequencies of anosmia observed in this sample, as compared to reported values in Caucasians of the USA, are probably due to genetic differences. The pheromone character of some odorants and their possible genetic relevance is discussed.

In vivo dimerization of cauliflower mosaic virus DNA can explain recombination

Pairs of heterologous cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) genomes cloned in pBR322, one having a defective genome and both restricted at the same pBR322 cloning site, generate recombinant molecules in infected cells when co-inoculated on plants. Analysis of the restriction pattern of the isolated recombinant CaMV DNAs indicated that the intergenomic recombination may be explained by dimerization of two heterologous CaMV molecules and transcription into a hybrid 35S RNA responsible for replication of the recombinant genomes.

Dermatoglyphic findings in patients with fragile X-chromosome

Finger- and palmar prints of hemi- and heterozygote fragile X-patients with mental retardation (10 males and 5 females) were compared to dermatoglyphic findings in 20 mentally retarded patients (10 males and 10 females) without fragile X and to 200 healthy unrelated persons (100 males and 100 females). Characteristic whorls and double-loops with high ridge-counts on finger-tips and a pronounced transversal course of palmar ridges were restricted to males with fragile X. Female carriers of fragile X showed, corresponding to male patients, some abnormalities of the digital- and palmar ridge-pattern. Contrary to males, in carriers as well as in mentally retarded females without fragile X, fingerprints with low ridge-counts were found. Common to all mentally retarded patients, but more pronounced in males with fragile X, abnormal palmar creases and hand-measurements were observed. These findings probably are related to prenatal retarded growth of the length of the palma and of the middle-finger.

A DNA polymerase activity is associated with Cauliflower Mosaic Virus

A DNA polymerase activity is found within the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) particle. Analysis of the reaction product reveals that the linear form of the virion DNA is preferentially labelled. The molecular weight of the DNA polymerase as determined on an "activity gel" is 76 kDa.

Expression of a putative plant viral gene in Escherichia coli

A recombinant plasmid, pCB300, was constructed which carries a cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) DNA insert corresponding to nucleotides 1825-2280, including the coding sequence (1830-2219) of open reading frame III (ORF III). This CaMV DNA insert was fused with the amino-terminal portion of the beta-galactosidase gene. Transcription of the hybrid gene is controlled by the lac promoter, which is repressed in Escherichia coli strain JM103 and can be induced by isopropylthio-beta-D-galactoside (IPTG). When the promoter is derepressed, cells harboring the chimeric plasmid produce an Mr 16 000 fusion protein. This protein is immunodetected by antibodies raised against an amino terminal synthetic peptide of 19 amino acids corresponding to a sequence predicted from the nucleotide sequence of ORF III.

A second cauliflower mosaic virus gene product influences the structure of the viral inclusion body

We have used electron microscopy of thin sections and experiments on isolated viroplasms to compare the properties of four strains of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), three of which were partially or completely deleted in open reading frame (ORF) II. Our results confirm that this gene is required for aphid transmissibility and show that the product of ORF II influences the firmness with which virions are held within the viroplasm. Analysis of the proteins in the viroplasms showed that a mutant with a partial deletion in ORF II produced a protein smaller than the normal ORF product. This smaller protein was non-functional with respect both to aphid transmissibility and properties of the viroplasms.

Electron microscopic studies of the different topological forms of the cauliflower mosaic virus DNA: knotted encapsidated DNA and nuclear minichromosome

Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) DNA exists under different topological forms in infected plants. First, the population of encapsidated CaMV DNA molecules appears heterogeneous when analysed by gel electrophoresis. The electron microscopic study reported here reveals that CaMV virion DNA contains simple and multiple topological knots. Second, a supercoiled DNA form never found in virions exists as a chromatin-like nucleoprotein complex with nucleosome subunits in the nuclei of infected leaves. The compaction ratio of the minichromosomes is compatible with the nucleosomal structure, the number of nucleosomes (41.0 +/- 2.5) is in keeping with the length of the viral genome.

Expression of the gene coding for the small subunit of ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase during differentiation of tobacco plant protoplasts

A hybridization probe was used to study the regulation of expression of the gene coding for the small subunit of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, during functional differentiation of protoplasts. A library of cDNA from poly(A)-containing RNA extracted from specially treated tobacco leaves was constructed in the plasmid pBR322 by blunt-end ligation. This library was screened by colony hybridization with 32P-labelled cDNA prepared from mRNA coding for the precursor of the small subunit. A positive colony was identified containing recombinant plasmids with a nucleotide sequence homologous to this mRNA. These plasmids, bound to diazobenzyloxymethylated cellulose paper, were then used as a hybridization probe. The results showed unambiguously that the small subunit was not transcribed in protoplasts but was transcribed in undifferentiated white and chlorophyll-containing green callus cultures derived from protoplasts. The discrepancy between these results and those obtained with classical techniques is discussed.

Identification by immunoprecipitation of cauliflower mosaic virus in vitro major translation product with a specific serum against viroplasm protein

A highly specific antiserum was prepared against purified cauliflower mosaic virus viroplasm-protein (VmP). A virus specific in vitro major translation product (TPmaj), encoded by the 19S poly(A) RNA fraction from cauliflower mosaic virus infected turnip leaves, was recognized by this antiserum. The N-terminal sequence of TPmaj corresponds to the sequence following the first in-phase initiation codon in gene VI of the cauliflower mosaic virus genome. Both VmP and TPmaj have blocked termini and probably start from the same AUG codon.

The tRNA-like structure of turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA: structural organization of the last 159 nucleotides from the 3′ OH terminus

The secondary structure of the isolated tRNA-like sequence (n=159) present at the 3' OH terminus of turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA has been established from partial nuclease digestion with S1 nuclease and T1, CL(3), and Naja oxiana RNases. The fragment folds into a 6-armed structure with two main domains. The first domain, of loose structure and nearest the 5' OH terminus, is composed of one large arm which extends into the coat protein cistron. The second, more compact domain, is composed of the five other arms and most probably contains the structure recognized by valyl-tRNA synthetase. In this domain three successive arms strikingly resemble the T[unk], anticodon, and D arms found in tRNA. Near the amino-acid accepting terminus, however, there is a new stem and loop region not found in standard tRNA. This secondary structure is compatible with a L-shaped three-dimensional organization in which the corner of the L and the anticodon-containing limb are similar to, and the amino-acid accepting region different from, that in tRNA. Ethylnitrosourea accessibility studies have shown similar tertiary structure features in the T[unk] loop of tRNA and in the homologous region of the viral RNA.

Hereditary ataxia and the sixth chromosome

Possible linkage of the gene or genes for dominant hereditary ataxia and three genetic markers on the short arm of the sixth chromosome (HLA, properdin factor B [Bf], and glyoxalase I) was investigated in five families. Logarithmic odds (lod scores) were calculated for the linkages and found to be either inconclusive or in favor of nonlinkage. Caution is advised in the summing of lod scores for separate families because of the wide spectrum of clinical and anatomical manifestations of dominant hereditary ataxia. Three families with recessive hereditary ataxia were also studied. Identical haplotypes occurred in affected and unaffected siblings. It did not appear likely that the recessive genes of the parents were transmitted in linkage with the markers on the short arm of the sixth chromosome.

Infectivities of native and cloned DNA of cauliflower mosaic virus

Infectivity assays on turnips reveal that (i) cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) DNA, whether circular or linear, is as infectious as the complete virus; (ii) linear DNA obtained with restriction enzymes from the native CaMV DNA has the same specific infectivity as when first cloned in plasmid (pBR322) or bacteriophage (lambda gtWES) vectors and then restricted at the cloning site; (iii) in all cases studied mosaic symptoms are accompanied by virus production. DNA isolated from these viruses is again circular and possesses the three "gaps" characteristic of CaMV DNA. The cloned CaMV DNA, when linked to the vector DNA, is noninfectious or exhibits very low infectivity.

Comparison of proteins synthesized in vivo and in vitro by mRNA from isolated protoplasts

Studies of proteins synthesized in vitro by messenger RNA (mRNA) extracted from tobacco protoplasts showed that the changes in protein synthesis and especially the lack of certain proteins observed previously in isolated protoplasts did not result from a failure of translation.

Nucleotide sequence of cauliflower mosaic virus DNA

The complete nucleotide sequence (8024 nucleotides) of the circular double-stranded DNA of cauliflower mosaic virus has been established. The DNA molecule is known to possess three discrete single-stranded discontinuities, often referred to as "gaps," two in one strand and one in the other. The sequence data indicate that gap 1, the single discontinuity in the alpha strand, corresponds to the absence of no more than one or two nucleotides with respect to the complementary beta strand. The two discontinuities in the beta strand, however, are not authentic gaps since no nucleotides are missing, but are instead regions of sequence overlap: a short sequence (19 residues for gap 2, t least 2 residues for gap 3) at one terminus of each discontinuity, probably the 5' terminus, is displaced from the double helix by an identical sequence at the other boundary of the discontinuity. Analysis of the distribution of nonsense codons in the DNA sequence is consistent with other evidence that only the alpha strand is transcribed. The coding region extends around the circular molecule from 4 map units of gap 1, the map origin, to map position 91, and consists of six long open reading frames. Our findings suggest, but do not prove, that the DNA sequence of the open reading frames is colinear with viral protein sequences. The cistron for the viral coat protein, which is probably synthesized in the form of a precursor, has been situated in coding region IV on the basis of its unusual amino acid composition.

The mechanism of aggregation of the coat protein of tobacco mosaic virus. A comparative study on vulgare and mutant proteins

TMV vulgare, A 14, Ni 725; Two-and Three-Layer Aggregates, Structural and Mechanistic Differences, Inter-Subunit Interactions, Non-Specific Aggregations The aggregation behaviour of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) protein vulgare was compared to that of two mutants, A 14 and Ni725, with amino acid exchanges localized in the coat protein at posi­ tions 107 (Thr → Met, in N i725) and 129 (lie → Thr, in both mutants). This behaviour, as meas­ ured by sedimentation, hydrogen ion titration, light-scattering, and near-UV absorption difference and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, differs characteristically both in the range of the A-protein (pH 8) and near neutrality, whereas nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and far-UV CD point at only subtle, or no structural differences between the three strains.

Near pH 8, the A-proteins of both mutants sediment nearly exclusively as 8 S aggregates, under conditions where vulgare protein forms a 4 S /8 S mixture (two-layer and three-layer aggregates, Vogel etal. in conditions where vulgare 4S aggregates dominate, both mutants sediment as a 4 S /8 S mixture. The average molecular weights of the 8S proteins corre­ spond to 12 (vulgare) to 15 (mutants) subunits. -Near neutrality both mutants titrate and polyme­ rize more cooperatively than vulgare protein; additionally, the pK(app.) of Ni 725 is shifted up­ wards, due to the higher a-helix forming potential of Met against Thr (pos. 107). Both mutants form large aggregates (> 200 S) of obviously helical conformation, by the uptake of one proton per subunit, whereas 20 S-disks constituting, under the same conditions, the stable entities in vul­ gare protein, are made only in minor amounts. These large mutant aggregates are remarkably more stable than the vulgare "overshoot" aggregates which transiently, too, may approach s-values and turbidities similar to the mutant aggregates; conformational changes, observed prior or in parallel to the formation of vulgare overshoot and disk aggregates, are significantly retarded in the large mutant aggregates. – Raising the ionic strength seems the only way to form mutant disks and stacks of disks (20-30 S) comparable to vulgare, pointing to the different pathways of disk formation, either at neutral pH or high ionic strength. – Evidence is given that the 8S aggregates of both mutant and vulgare proteins may behave similar in aggregation, the differences mainly being inserted by the 4S (two-layer) aggregates present in vulgare protein, which near neutrality seem responsible for the direct formation of (two-layer) disks. -The non-conservative exchange in po­ sition 129, altering the environment of Trp residues (52+17?), should weaken the "extended salt-bridge system" ("pairing") observed between the two layers of the disk (Bloomer et al., Nature, 1978). A competition is suggested between the strength of this pairing, and the binding of a third layer, regulating the mode of aggregation to two-layer, to three-layer, and to higher aggregates; this is corroborated by comparison with published results on temperature-sensitive (ts I) mutants and chemically modified proteins. – To explain the effects of residue 129 on the titration of the protein we suggest a mechanical analogy, made up of a balance between the charge and state of the "carboxyle cage" (Stubbs et al., Nature, 1977), as regulatory site, and the strength of the

Suitable conditions for characterization, identification, and isolation of the mRNA of the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase from Nicotiana sylvestris

The products synthesized in vitro by messenger RNA (mRNA) extracted from Nicotiana sylvestris were analyzed by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide slab gels. Only three of the major polypeptides synthesized are considered here: P55, P32, and P20. P55 and P32 were translated from chloroplast mRNA. P55 corresponds to the large subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuP2) carboxylase; P32 is probably a chloroplast membrane protein. P20, the polypeptide synthesized from cytoplasmic poly(A)(+) RNA, is the precursor of the small subunit of RuP2 carboxylase. The balance between P20 and P32, in which their relative proportions varied inversely, was regulated by the age of the leaves and the time of illumination; we took advantage of this phenomenon to isolate the mRNA from the small subunit in relatively large amounts. This mRNA has a molecular weight of 350,000.

Ultrasonic absorption evidence of structural fluctuations in viral capsids

When the coat protein of the small icosahedral virus, brome mosaic virus, reassembles into capsids, the ultrasonic absorption of the solution greatly increases. Submitting the solution to an ultrasonic field thus appears to reveal spontaneous molecular motions within a protein assembly. Confirmatory evidence of a dynamics of a protein shell comes from measurements on brome mosaic virus at various degrees of swelling and on tomato bushy stunt virus treated with the crosslinking agent glutaraldehyde. The detected fluctuations may be related either with cooperative deformational motion in the capsid or with more localized structural changes. Such structural changes may help liberate the RNA at an early stage of viral infection.

Genetic studies in Saudi Arabia: red cell enzyme, haemoglobin and serum protein polymorphisms

Population genetic studies in Saudi Arabia are performed for EsD, GPT, AcP, ADA, AK, 6-PGD, PGM, C3, Tf, Hp, Gc, Pi, Bf, Hb, ABO-blood groups and Rh-factor, level of the third component of complement and immunoglobulins. The data are compared with reported frequencies in European and African populations.

Changes in protein synthesis during the initial stage of life of tobacco protoplasts

The biosynthesis of Fraction I protein in isolated protoplasts is compared with that in the plant. Radioactive precursors were incorporated into isolated protoplasts ("in vitro" labeling) and into leaves, from which the protoplasts were isolated later ("in situ" labeling). The biosynthesis of Fraction I protein stopped almost completely as soon as the protoplasts were incubated in the culture medium.

Physical map of DNA from a new cauliflower mosaic virus strain

The restriction enzymes AluI, BamHI, BglII, EcoRI, HindIII, and SalI have been used to characterize and map a new cauliflower mosaic virus strain (Cabb-S). These fragments have been ordered by examining their overlapping regions after double enzymatic digestion. The single SalI cleavage site was chosen as the point of origin. We compare this strain with those already described.

[Malignant hyperthermia during the 13th general anaesthesia (author's transl)]

We report a case of malignant hyperthermia in a man of 41 years during his 13th general anaesthesia. All previous anaesthetics were quite normal. Musculoskeletal abnormalities and increased CPK-levels are to be found in some members of the patient's family. The combined use of suxamethonium and halothane might have caused the development of malignant hyperthermia. As a concept of the aetiology of the syndrome the case history indicates that it may be stress-related.

Nucleotide sequence at the 5' extremity of tobacco-mosaic-virus RNA. 1. The noncoding region (nucleotides 1-68)

The sequence of the 5' noncoding region of tobacco mosaic virus RNA has been determined. The noncoding region is 68 nucleotides long and is unusual in that it contains no internal guanosine residues. The long T1 oligonucleotide containing the guanosine-free tract was isolated from a T1 ribonuclease digest of tobacco mosaic virus RNA and sequenced by labelling techniques in vitro using polynucleotide kinase. The guanosine-free tract is terminated by the first potential initiation codon in the RNA molecule and several lines of evidence suggest that this AUG triplet is operational in initiating viral protein synthesis (see following paper). The 5'-noncoding region cannot base-pair extensively with the 3'-terminal sequence of 18-S ribosomal RNA from rabbit reticulocytes.

Valylation of the two RNA components of turnip-yellow mosaic virus and specificity of the tRNA aminoacylation reaction

A comparative study of the aminoacylation of the two RNA components of turnip yellow mosaic virus, of yeast tRNAVal, tRNAfMet and of tRNAPhe by purified yeast valyl-tRNA synthetase is reported. Aminoacylations were performed in the presence of pure yeast tRNA nucleotidyltransferase, since 85% of the viral RNA molecules lacked the 3'-adenosine. We find that aminoacylation of the viral RNAs, like tRNA aminoacylation, reflects an equilibrium between the acylation and deacylation reactions. The kinetic parameters of TYM virus RNA valylation resemble the values found for tRNAVal valylation; in particular, there is a strong affinity between the viral RNA and valyl-tRNA synthetase and the rate constant for TYM virus RNA valylation is only slightly lower than that for tRNAVal. This result contrasts with the reduced rates observed in tRNA mischarging, and suggests that the viral RNA could be easily aminoacylated in vivo. Considering the fact that the 3'-terminal sequence of TYM virus RNA has only a few points of resemblance to a tRNA sequence, we propose that there are some structural motifs found in both tRNAVal and TYM virus RNA which are brought in a similar spatial arrangement recognized by valyl-tRNA synthetase.

A silent gene (C3-) producing partial deficiency of the third component of human complement

A family is described with 3 members in 3 generations being heterozygous for the silent gene C3-: one girl, her mother and grandfather had half normal C3 levels and were apparently incompatible homozygous. No significant deviation in the total hemolytic complement activity, serum concentration of Bf and C4 component was found in the affected individuals.

O-diphenol O-methyltransferases of healthy and tobacco-mosaic-virus-infected hypersensitive tobacco

Three distinct o-diphenol O-methyltransferases (OMTs) were found in leaves of Nicotiana tabacum, variety Samsun NN. They could be clearly distinguished by differences in elution pattern upon chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and in specificity towards 16 diphenolic substrates. The phenylpropanoids caffeic acid and 5-hydroxyferulic acid, whose importance as lignin precursors is well known, were the best substrates of OMT I, but they were also efficiently methylated by the two other OMTs that showed a broader substrate specificity. The highest rates of methylation were observed by assaying these latter enzymes with catechol, homocatechol and protocatechuic aldehyde. The flavonoid quercetin, the major o-diphenol of tobacco leaves, was a good substrate for OMTs II and III, but was also methylated significantly by OMT I. The tobacco OMTs showed both para-and meta-directing activities with protocatechuic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde and esculetin as substrates. Para-O-methylation of the former substrate arose almost exclusively from OMT I whereas that of the two latter substrates from all three enzymes. In healthy leaves the total O-methylating activity varied very much with the batch of plants whereas the relative contributions of the three enzymes were rather constant. On an average, OMTs I, II and III acounted towards caffeic acid, respectively. In tobacco mosaic virus-infected leaves carrying local necrotic lesions we found the same three OMTs with the same substrate specificities, but with increased activities. The degree of stimulation of both OMTs II and III was 2-3 times greater than that of OMT I when the leaves had a moderate number of lesions, and 3-5 times greater with large number of lesions. It is very likely that the changes in both the pattern of the O-methylating enzymes and the concentrations of the naturally occuring o-diphenolic substrates are related to an increased biosynthesis of lignins and of lignin-like compounds. These aromatic polymers could be involved in the cell wall thickening associated with the hypersensitive reaction and with the resistance to virus spread that occur in the cells surrounding the local lesions.

Fluorescent study of tobacco mosaic virus protein

Protein fluorescence properties of tobacco mosaic virus [3 Trp residues per monomer (positions 17, 52, 152)] and of two tobacco mosaic virus mutants [green tomato atypical mosaic virus, 2 Trp (52, 152) and cucumber virus4, 1 Trp (unknown position)] have been studied. Emission spectra, fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes were determined. Results showed that protein fluorescence is due to buried Trp only, except for the cucumber virus4 strain, in which Tyr also contributed to the emission. Comparison of the three strains showed that Trp 17 and Trp 52 have high fluorescence yields (phi17 = 0.29; phi52 = 0.37) whereas Trp 152 (probably present in cucumber virus4) is strongly quenched (phi152 = 0.035). An unusually efficient Tyr leads to Trp energy transfer was observed in tobacco mosaic virus protein, indicating that most of four Tyr residues are located near the highly fluorescent Trp.