Viruses use the host's machinery to make copies of themselves. However, some human viruses require a type of replication that humans do not normally have. For example, humans normally do not have the ability to convert RNA into DNA. How can these types of viruses infect humans, when human cells cannot perform a particular role that the virus requires?
A) The virus causes mutations in the human cells, resulting in the formation of new enzymes that are capable of performing these roles.
B) The viral genome has genes coding for enzymes needed for its own reproduction.
C) The virus infects only those cells and species that can perform all the replication roles necessary.
D) Viruses can stay in a quiescent state until the host cell evolves this ability.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The viral genome contains genes coding for enzymes needed for its own replication. This allows the virus to use the host cell's machinery to create the enzymes necessary for its replication, without relying on the host cell's pre-existing abilities.

Viruses Use the Host's Machinery to Make Copies of Themselves