Which of the following would be the first step in biosynthesis of a virus with a - (minus)strand of RNA?
A)synthesis of DNA from an RNA template
B)synthesis of double-stranded RNA from an RNA template
C)synthesis of double-stranded RNA from a DNA template
D)transcription of mRNA from DNA
E)synthesis of DNA from a DNA template

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A virus with a - (minus)strand of RNA requires first the synthesis of a complementary + (plus) strand of RNA via the action of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This + strand will then serve as the template for the biosynthesis of more - (minus)strand RNA. The initial synthesis of a double-stranded RNA intermediate from the viral RNA template is necessary for this process to occur. Therefore, choice B would be the correct first step in biosynthesis of this type of virus.

Which of the Following Would Be the First Step in Biosynthesis