replicative form


rep·li·ca·tive form (RF),

1. an intermediate stage in the replication of either DNA or RNA viral genomes that is usually double stranded; 2. the altered, double-stranded form to which single-stranded coliphage DNA is converted after infection of a susceptible bacterium, formation of the complementary ("minus") strand being mediated by enzymes that were present in the bacterium before entrance of the viral ("plus") strand.

rep·li·ca·tive form

(rep'li-kă-tiv fōrm) 1. An intermediate stage in the replication of either DNA or RNA viral genomes that is usually double stranded. 2. The altered, double-stranded form to which single-stranded coliphage DNA is converted after infection of a susceptible bacterium, formation of the complementary ("minus") strand being mediated by enzymes that were present in the bacterium before entrance of the viral ("plus") strand.