Final answer:
The translation mechanism of picornavirus involves its +ssRNA genome being directly used as mRNA by the host cell's ribosomes to produce viral proteins. There is no need for transcription from DNA to mRNA, enabling the immediate translation and viral protein synthesis, which is a crucial step in the picornavirus life cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The translation mechanism of a picornavirus involves using its +ssRNA genome directly as mRNA. Upon infection, the host cell's ribosomes recognize the viral RNA and translate it into viral proteins. Picornaviruses bypass the need for transcription, which is the process of converting DNA into mRNA, because their RNA can be directly utilized. This is in contrast to viruses with a -ssRNA genome, which must first undergo replication into +ssRNA by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) before translation can occur. The picornavirus RDNA is translated directly into new viral proteins after infection by using the cellular ribosomes of the host.
Additionally, RNA viruses use their RNA core as a template for the synthesis of viral genomic RNA and mRNA, directing the host cell to produce viral enzymes and proteins. This is a critical aspect of the viral life cycle as it enables the assembly and production of new virions within the host cell, which can then go on to infect other cells. Understanding this mechanism is crucial in developing antiviral strategies to combat picornavirus infections.