The BVDV genome comprises a single strand of positive sense RNA which is around 12.3 kilobases in length<sup>3</sup>. The genome is read in one 3898-codon open reading frame that contains no non-coding sequences. BVDV polyprotein is translated directly from the ORF and is cleaved by viral and cellular proteinases to form mature viral proteins<sup>3, 4</sup>. At either end of the ORF, 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions exist. These regions are long, allowing them to accomodate fuctions conferred in eukaryotic DNA by the 5’ cap and the 3' poly-A tail, such as controlling the initiation of translation, facilitating the entry of replicases, and contributing to RNA stability<sup>4</sup>. | The BVDV genome comprises a single strand of positive sense RNA which is around 12.3 kilobases in length<sup>3</sup>. The genome is read in one 3898-codon open reading frame that contains no non-coding sequences. BVDV polyprotein is translated directly from the ORF and is cleaved by viral and cellular proteinases to form mature viral proteins<sup>3, 4</sup>. At either end of the ORF, 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions exist. These regions are long, allowing them to accomodate fuctions conferred in eukaryotic DNA by the 5’ cap and the 3' poly-A tail, such as controlling the initiation of translation, facilitating the entry of replicases, and contributing to RNA stability<sup>4</sup>. |