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Multiple Choice
Most RNA viruses carry which of the following enzymes to replicate their genome?
A
Reverse transcriptase
B
DNA polymerase
C
Helicase
D
RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the nature of RNA viruses: RNA viruses have RNA as their genetic material, and they need to replicate this RNA to produce new viral particles.
Identify the enzyme required for RNA replication: RNA viruses typically use an enzyme that can synthesize RNA from an RNA template, which is different from the enzymes used in DNA replication.
Differentiate between the enzymes: Reverse transcriptase is used by retroviruses to convert RNA into DNA, DNA polymerase is used to synthesize DNA from a DNA template, and helicase unwinds DNA strands.
Recognize the specific enzyme for RNA viruses: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is the enzyme that catalyzes the replication of RNA from an RNA template, which is essential for the replication of RNA viruses.
Conclude that RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is the enzyme carried by most RNA viruses to replicate their genome, as it directly synthesizes RNA from an RNA template.