Final answer:
The MS2 phage's genome can be immediately translated because it has a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) with positive polarity, known as a Group IV virus, which allows direct translation by the host's ribosomes without transcription.
Step-by-step explanation:
The MS2 bacteriophage can have its viral genome immediately translated because it has a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) with positive polarity, which acts like messenger RNA (mRNA). This type of genome allows the ribosomes of the host cell to directly translate the viral RNA into proteins without the need for transcription. This process is characteristic of Group IV viruses, which contain an ssRNA genome that can serve directly as mRNA.
In contrast, other types of viruses must first convert their genome into a suitable format before it can be translated into proteins. For example, Group I viruses with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) must first transcribe their DNA into mRNA. Group II viruses, which have single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), need to convert their genome into a double-stranded intermediate before transcription can occur. Group III viruses use RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to generate mRNA from their dsRNA genome. Group VI viruses, with diploid ssRNA, must use reverse transcriptase to create dsDNA, which is then integrated into the host genome for transcription.