The 35S transcript promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus directs the synthesis of an abundant RNA in infected leaf tissue that is both a template for reverse transcription during virus replication and also a polycistronic mRNA. The 35S promoter was isolated and linked to a cDNA of the 3' end of tobacco mosaic virus that encodes the coat protein of this single-stranded RNA virus. After transformation of this gene construction into tobacco plants using a disarmed Agrobacterium binary vector, viral coat protein synthesis was detected in transformed leaf tissue. A chimaeric 35S coat protein RNA was detected in transformed callus.
