Re: [HAPS-L] Viruses and transcription sites

[Ken Saladin <ksaladin@xxxxxxxxxx>]

At 11:31 PM 2/23/2007, you wrote:
> Good evening Ken,
>
> Many viruses, especially the retroviruses (RNA viruses) do, in fact,
> carry their own "TATA box".  It is the LTR (long tandem
> repeat) region of the viral genome, and basically acts like a
> transcription initiator. Therefore, these viruses can replicate
> themselves no matter where in the genome they land.  Since they
> carry their own transcription initiator, their insstructions for
> replication will always be "in phase".
>
> Ted Namm 
> UMass Lowell



Thanks Ted. I'm glad to know my conjecture was not wildly goofy. I
probably could have found the answer in one book or another on my shelf,
but often it's easier just to ask your friends. As long as you have smart
friends.  So while I was leaning on the listserv for an answer
instead of reading virology, I was able to use the time to get next
Wednesday's animal behavior exam written. :)

Is this LTR component of the viral genome the way viruses always work, or
are there any cases of the viral genome inserting preferentially near a
transcription site in the host genome?

Ken