What do the early genes of DNA viruses primarily code for?

The early genes of DNA viruses primarily code for the replication of viral DNA. This is crucial because once the virus infects a host cell, it must quickly replicate its genome to produce new viral particles. Early genes typically include those that encode proteins necessary for viral DNA synthesis, such as DNA polymerases and other enzymes that facilitate the replication process.

Once these proteins are synthesized, they help in replicating the viral genome, which is essential for the next steps of the viral life cycle. This early phase is distinct from the later phases where the focus shifts to translating structural proteins needed for virion assembly. Understanding this function of early genes highlights their critical role in establishing a productive viral infection.