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Chapter 18: Problem 3

What are the similarities and differences among viral genomes?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Viral genomes, regardless of their form, all have the ability to invade a host cell and reproduce themselves. Differences manifest in the manifestation and mechanism of their replication, influenced heavily by the type of Virus - DNA or RNA, double or single stranded and whether they are circular or linear.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Viral Genomes

Viral genomes are the genetic material within viruses. They could be either DNA or RNA, double-stranded or single-stranded, circular or linear, and can vary greatly in length. Additionally, some viral genomes are divided into separate parts that are packed into different viral particles.
02

Identifying Similarities

Despite variations, all Viral genomes share some common characteristics. For instance, they encode proteins that enable viruses to enter a host cell, replicate its genome, and assemble and exit as newly formed virus particles. Moreover, no matter what is the form (either DNA or RNA), those need to encode the basic functions necessary for the virus to reproduce itself.
03

Pointing Out Differences

While the basic function may be similar, different viruses can employ dramatically different strategies to reproduce themselves. Viruses like HIV reverse transcribe their RNA into DNA upon infection whereas others like Influenza, use a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to replicate their genome. Additionally, viral genomes are unique in terms of their compactness in contrast to other genomes. Viruses encode the smallest amount of proteins, but which are necessary to manage lifecycle inside the host organism.

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Describe how HIV DNA is integrated into a chromosome of the host cell.

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