Question

Viruses are often classified based on the type of genetic material and its structure. In the Baltimore classification scheme, the _____ virus has a single-stranded RNA (–) genome.

a) Group IV
b) Group V
c) Group VI
d) Group VII

Answer 1

In the Baltimore classification scheme, the single-stranded RNA (–) genome is characteristic of a Group V virus. This system classifies viruses based on their genetic material and mRNA production process.

Step-by-step explanation:

Viruses are classified using various schemes, including the Baltimore classification system, which categorizes viruses based on their genomic structure and the process by which they produce messenger RNA (mRNA). According to the Baltimore classification, a virus with a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) genome with negative polarity is classified as a Group V virus. This group of viruses must first synthesize a complementary positive-strand RNA before they can produce mRNA and proteins. In contrast, Group I viruses have a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome and produce mRNA directly by transcription, while Group VI viruses, which consist of viruses like HIV.

Have a positive single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) genome that is reverse transcribed into DNA before replication.In the Baltimore classification scheme, the virus with a single-stranded RNA (-) genome belongs to Group V. Group V viruses have negative polarity, which means that their genomic RNA cannot serve directly as mRNA. Instead, intermediates of dsRNA, called replicative intermediates, are made during the process of copying the genomic RNA.