DNAs of five CaMV isolates have been sequenced. The function of ORF III protein is unknown. The coat protein is glycosylated. The double circle represents the genomic DNA with the discontinuities shown as spots and the promoter sites as boxes. The inner arcs are the ORFs.
Transcription occurs in the nucleus from a DNA template with properties of a minichromosome.
These electron-dense inclusion bodies are characteristic of the group. The 35S transcript has not been translated in vitro but is thought to be the mRNA of several of the ORFs. ORF V may code for the replication enzyme. The viruses serve as efficient immunogens. There are serological relationships among some members.