Reverse transcription of Drosophila mobile dispersed genetic element RNAs: detection of intermediate forms.

DNA-RNA complexes were detected in cultured Drosophila melanogaster cells. These complexes are practically perfect hybrid molecules of mobile dispersed genes DNA (mdg1 and mdg3) and suitable poly(A)+RNA. Three species of single-stranded DNA have been found in hybrid molecules: full-sized mdg DNA containing either one or two LTRs (both minus strands) and single LTR sequences (plus strand). The properties of hybrid molecules are consistent with those being expected from the model of reverse transcription pathway of transposition and amplification of mdg elements.