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Multiple Choice
Which of the following types of viruses require an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication?
A
Negative-sense RNA viruses
B
Positive-sense RNA viruses
C
DNA viruses
D
Retroviruses
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase: This enzyme is crucial for the replication of RNA viruses. It synthesizes RNA from an RNA template, which is necessary for the replication of certain types of RNA viruses.
Identify the characteristics of negative-sense RNA viruses: These viruses have RNA genomes that are complementary to the mRNA. They require RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to convert their genome into a readable mRNA form for protein synthesis.
Consider positive-sense RNA viruses: These viruses have RNA genomes that can directly serve as mRNA. They do not require RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for initial translation but may use it for replication of their genome.
Examine DNA viruses: These viruses typically replicate using DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and do not require RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
Analyze retroviruses: Retroviruses use reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which is then integrated into the host genome. They do not primarily rely on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication.