Publication Date

1990

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Bujarski, Jozef J.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

LCSH

Host-virus relationships; Viral genetics; Nucleotide sequence

Abstract

The goal of this research was to provide insight into how bromoviral nucleotide sequences, and specifically the sequence of the coat protein gene, affect virus-host interactions. The interactions we were specifically interested in were host range, infectivity, symptoms and their severity, and viral transport. This research was accomplished by using recombinant DNA techniques to produce three classes of coat protein mutants: those in which a single amino acid was altered, chimeric clones in which portions of the coat protein gene sequence were exchanged between brome mosaic virus (BMV) and cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV), and a single clone in which the coat protein gene of CCMV was replaced by that of BMV. Upon assay in whole plants, the point mutants proved most capable of infection and systemic spread. These clones all produced symptoms (though not all as severe as those produced by the wild-type virus) and spread systemically in their normal hosts. The partial coat protein gene transfers did not appear capable of producing infection in the hosts of either virus. However, the entire coat protein gene exchange did produce systemic symptoms in cowpea, although no virus could be detected in leaves. These observations are preliminary, but they do appear to indicate that even small alterations in the coat protein can affect symptoms produced and their severity.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [63]-64)

Extent

64 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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