Homology between double-stranded RNA and nuclear DNA of yeast.

The relationship between mycoviral double-stranded (ds) RNA and host cell DNA was investigated. Radiolabeled ds RNA was denatured and reannealed in the presence and absence of denatured DNA. RNA from killer strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and from nonkiller derivatives was utilized. The above-mentioned strains, as well as one that lacks all ds RNA, were sources for extracted DNA. Net hybridization of ds RNA to DNA occurred regardless of the strains from which the respective nucleic acids were prepared.