ABSTRACT
The caulimoviruses are the only group of plant viruses known to encapsidate a genome of double-stranded DNA. They have attracted considerable interest as possible vectors for the genetic manipulation of plant cells and also as systems for studying plant gene expression and replication. This chapter considers the cauliflower mosaic virus genome (CaMV) genome as a discrete group of specialized plant genes and compares with other eukaryotic genetic elements. It presents recent findings relevant to the organization of the CaMV genome, the structure, function, and regulation of its genes and gene products. Each caulimovirus is distinct and it remains to be seen how the genome organization of the less-well-characterized members of the group compares with that of CaMV. The chapter provokes argument and stimulates experimental work in particular areas, and includes a consideration of the pertinent features of caulimoviruses other than CaMV where appropriate.
