Some viruses can be crystallized and their structures analyzed. One such virus is yellow mottle virus, which infects beans. This virus has a single-stranded RNA genome containing about 6,300 nucleotides. Its capsid is 25-30 nm in diameter and contains 180 identical capsomeres. If the yellow mottle virus begins its infection of a cell by using its genome as mRNA, which of the following would you expect to be able to measure when analyzing the reproduction of this virus?
A) replication rate
B) transcription rate
C) translation rate
D) formation of new transcription factors

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the virus begins its infection by using its genome as mRNA, we would be able to measure the rate of translation, which is the process of converting the genetic information in mRNA into a protein product. Replication rate refers to the rate at which the virus replicates its genome, which would not be measurable if the virus is using its genome as mRNA. Transcription rate refers to the rate at which DNA is converted to mRNA, but since the virus is already using its genome as mRNA, this measurement would not be applicable. The formation of new transcription factors is not relevant to the reproduction of the virus.

Some Viruses Can Be Crystallized and Their Structures Analyzed