minus strand

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.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

minus strand

A segment of DNA—produced by a single-stranded DNA virus infecting a eukaryotic host cell—which is complementary or antiparallel to the first strand. When such segments are derived from the virus itself, they are termed “plus” strands.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.