Conservation and modification of the pyrimidine-rich reovirus oligonucleotides after infection

Examination of the fate of the (Gp)ppG-terminated, pyrimidine-rich single-stranded oligomers encapsidated in reovirions indicated that some or most of these molecules were conserved for at least 5 hr after infection even though they were released from virions during uncoating. Moreover, the 5′ termini of the oligonucleotides were modified both by capping of ppG-terminated molecules and by methylation of GpppG ends. The conservation and methylation of this class of virion RNA may indicate that oligonucleotides play a role in the replicative cycle.