Which of the following is used by negative strand RNA viruses such as measles and influenza during their replication cycle
A)synthesize DNA via reverse transcriptase
B)synthesize a double stranded RNA intermediate
C)synthesize an RNA:DNA hybrid whose RNA is a (+)strand
D)synthesize an RNA:DNA hybrid whose DNA is a (-)strand

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Negative strand RNA viruses have a genome that is complementary to their mRNA, so they cannot directly use their genome as a template for protein synthesis. Instead, during their replication cycle, they use an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to transcribe their genome into a complementary positive strand mRNA. This mRNA is then used as a template for protein synthesis. However, before the mRNA can be used for protein synthesis, it must be replicated to create more copies of the genome. To do this, the RdRp synthesizes a double-stranded RNA intermediate which serves as a template for more negative strand RNA synthesis. Therefore, Choice B, synthesizing a double-stranded RNA intermediate, is the best answer.

Which of the Following Is Used by Negative Strand RNA