Further characterization of Sendai virus DI-RNAs: a model for their generation.

Sendai virus DI-RNAs which contain complementary ends have been characterized as follows. First, the complementary ends of three DI-RNAs, although somewhat different in size (110-150 base pairs), contain sequences that are both identical to each other and to the 5' end of the nondefective (ND) genome. Second, almost all the sequences contained sequences that are both identical to each other and to the 5' end of the nondefective (ND) genome. Second, almost all the sequences contained in the DI-RNAs derive from sequences that are contiguous to the 5' end of the ND genome. The ND genome, on the other hand, does not contain any sequences that are complementary to its 5' end. A genetic map and a model for the generation of the Sendai DI-RNAs are presented.