Ribonucleic acid polymerase activity associated with purified calf rotavirus.

The presence of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is demonstrated in purified rotavirus particles. Optimum polymerase activity was found between 45 to 50 degrees C, at pH 8, and in the presence of 10 mM-magnesium ions. The polymerase product was highly sensitive to pancreatic RNase (97%) in low or high salt concentration. The enzyme was activated by EDTA treatment of intact particles or heat shock. The similarities between reovirus, blue-tongue virus and rotavirus polymerases are discussed.