Question

To give more information on virus replication strategies, what is the difference between a DNA virus and an RNA virus in terms of replication?

a) DNA viruses replicate in the cytoplasm, while RNA viruses replicate in the nucleus.
b) DNA viruses use the host cell's machinery to replicate, while RNA viruses carry their own replication enzymes.
c) DNA viruses replicate using RNA polymerase, while RNA viruses use DNA polymerase.
d) DNA viruses primarily replicate in bacteria, while RNA viruses replicate in eukaryotic cells.

Answer 1

DNA viruses use host cell machinery for replication and transcription, whereas RNA viruses encode their own replication enzymes due to their RNA-based genome, leading to higher mutation rates and rapid evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between DNA viruses and RNA viruses in terms of replication strategies is significant. DNA viruses often use the host cell's machinery to replicate. They depend on host-cell proteins and enzymes to make additional DNA and to transcribe mRNA, which is then used to direct viral protein synthesis. On the other hand, RNA viruses, which contain only RNA as their genetic material, must encode their own enzymes to replicate. For example, RNA polymerase enzymes specific to RNA viruses can introduce more mutations during replication, leading to a quicker evolution of these viruses. This fact is exemplified by the need for a new flu vaccine against the RNA influenza virus annually.

In summary, the correct option from the student's question is b) 'DNA viruses use the host cell's machinery to replicate, while RNA viruses carry their own replication enzymes.' This reflects the different replication strategies of DNA and RNA viruses where DNA viruses leverage host enzymes for replication and transcription, while RNA viruses need to bring or encode their own replication machinery due to the RNA-based genome.