Structure and conformation of low molecular weight pathogenic RNA from exocortis disease

The electrophoretic mobility of the low molecular weight pathogenic RNA from exocortis disease of citrus (CEV) is markedly affected by polyacrylamide gel concentrations. Molecular weight estimates of 100,000 or 50,000 are derived from relative electrophoretic migration in gels either less than 10% or greater than 10%, respectively. The target size of the biologically active unit is estimated at 110,000 daltons from inactivation by ionizing radiation. On the basis of bouyant density distribution as well as thermal and dimethyl sulfoxide denaturation, molecular structures of the pathogenic RNA are presented, and possible functional significance is discussed.