In vivo translation studies of plant viral RNAs using reporter genes.

This unit describes the analysis of the translation-regulating properties of viral RNAs in cell-based assays using a luciferase reporter system. Electroporation and polyethylene glycol-mediated introduction of luciferase reporter RNA into cowpea protoplasts are also presented. The Commentary section discusses employing the luciferase reporter system to study translational control by the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions of a viral mRNA. Inoculum RNA quality and half-life after delivery to the protoplasts should be monitored closely for careful investigation of translational regulation elements.