Sequence homology between the coat proteins of DNA and RNA plant viruses.

The coat proteins of the leafhopper transmitted gemini viruses, viz., maize streak virus and wheat dwarf virus that contain a single circle of DNA in their genomes are shown to bear good amino acid sequence homology with the coat protein of an RNA plant virus, the satellite tobacco necrosis virus. It is suggested that for icosahedral assemblage, the coat protein architecture transcends genomic preferences.