RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity in five RNA viruses: divalent cation requirements.

The RNA-dependent DNA polymerase(s) in murine leukemia, murine mammary tumor, and avian myeloblastosis viruses require maganese for optimal activity. The transcription of added synthetic polyribonucleotides is greatly enhanced when manganese is used in place of magnesium. A soluble RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity has been released from murine leukemia particles in the presence of manganese and high detergent concentrations. Two RNA viruses, visna virus of sheep and a primate syncytial virus, not known to have tumor-producing ability, also contain the polymerase.