Replicase

This is RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme of viruses encoded by the viral RNA and packed to the progeny capsid so that upon entry to a cell replication of the infective negative-strand RNA (influenza, Stomatitisvirus [causing inflammation of mucous membranes]) forms the template for replication but does not code for viral proteins. Without the replicase this negative strand would not be able to function. The positive-strand RNA viruses (e.g., poliovirus) are directly transcribed into the protein, including the replicase, and in this form it can be infectious. The DNA-dependent DNA polymerase enzymes are also called replicase. replication, RF, positive strand; Tayon R Jr et al 2001 Nucleic Acids Res 29:3576.