Final answer:
Viruses are classified by their nucleic acid type, capsid shape, presence of an envelope, and replication method. Herpesviruses have a dsDNA genome, while retroviruses like HIV have a +ssRNA genome and use reverse transcriptase. Examples of diseases include influenza caused by Orthomyxoviruses and HIV by retroviruses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classification of Viruses
Viruses are classified based on various characteristics such as nucleic acid type, capsid shape, presence or absence of an envelope, and the methods they use to replicate. One of the most widely accepted classification systems is the Baltimore classification, which categorizes viruses based on their method of synthesizing messenger RNA (mRNA).
Differences Between Herpesviruses and Retroviruses
Herpesviruses are categorized as double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses that have an envelope and typically cause infections like herpes simplex. In contrast, Retroviruses, such as HIV, contain positive single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) and use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA into DNA inside the host cell.
Types of Nucleic Acid in Viruses
Viruses may contain one of four nucleic acid types: single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).
Examples of Diseases Caused by Viruses
Influenza is a disease caused by a member of the Orthomyxoviruses, which typically contain segmented single-stranded RNA. HIV is an example of a disease caused by a retrovirus.