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. 1993 Dec 11;21(24):5667–5669. doi: 10.1093/nar/21.24.5667

A closely related group of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases from double-stranded RNA viruses.

J A Bruenn 1
PMCID: PMC310533  PMID: 8284213

Abstract

Probably one of the first proteinaceous enzymes was an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP). Although there are several conserved motifs present in the RDRPs of most positive and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses, the RDRPs of the dsRNA viruses show no detectable sequence similarity outside the conserved motifs. There is now, however, a group of dsRNA viruses of lower eucaryotes whose RDRPs are detectably similar. The origin of this sequence similarity appears to be common descent from one or more noninfectious viruses of a progenitor cell, an origin that predates the differentiation of protozoans and fungi. The cause of this preservation of sequence appears to be constraints placed on the RDRP by the life-style of these viruses--the maintenance of a stable, persistent, noninfectious state.

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Selected References

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