Types of viruses

Question 1

What is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus?

Answer 1

uses RNA genome as mRNA to directly produce viral proteins. So viral RNA can be immediately translated by the host cell’s ribosomes.

Question 2

What is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus?

Answer 2

uses RNA genome to create a complementary positive-sense RNA strand, which then acts as mRNA for protein synthesis.

Question 3

What is an RNA retrovirus?

Answer 3

uses an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) to convert its RNA genome into DNA. This DNA then integrates into the host cell’s genome, allowing the virus to replicate.

Question 4

example of a positive ssRNA virus

Answer 4

Poliovirus, rhinovirus, hepatitis C.

Question 5

example of a negative ssRNA virus

Answer 5

Influenza, measles, rabies.

Question 6

Give an example of an RNA retrovirus.

Answer 6

HIV