Genome
The genomes of exogenous and endogenous murine leukemia viruses have been fully sequenced. The viral genome is a single stranded, linear, positive-sense RNA molecule of around 8000 nucleotides. From 5' to 3' (typically displayed as "left" to "right"), the genome contains gag, pol, and env regions, coding for structural proteins, enzymes including the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase), and coat proteins, respectively. The genomic molecule contains a 5' methylated cap structure and a 3' poly-adenosine tail.
The genome includes a conserved RNA structural element called a core encapsidation signal that directs packaging of RNA into the virion; the tertiary structure of this element has been solved using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Read more about this topic: Murine Leukemia Virus