Essential for the replication of viral ssDNA. The closed circular ssDNA genome is first converted to a superhelical dsDNA. Rep binds a specific region at the genome origin of replication. It introduces an endonucleolytic nick within the conserved sequence 5'-TAATATTAC-3' in the intergenic region of the genome present in all geminiviruses, thereby initiating the rolling circle replication (RCR). Following cleavage, binds covalently to the 5'-phosphate of DNA as a tyrosyl ester. The cleavage gives rise to a free 3'-OH that serves as a primer for the cellular DNA polymerase. The polymerase synthesizes the (+) strand DNA by rolling circle mechanism. After one round of replication, a Rep-catalyzed nucleotidyl transfer reaction releases a circular single-stranded virus genome, thereby terminating the replication. Displays origin-specific DNA cleavage, nucleotidyl transferase, ATPase and helicase activities (By similarity).

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