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A double-stranded RNA virus generates its mRNA using which enzyme?
AA host DNA-dependent RNA polymerase
BA viral neuraminidase from the envelope
CA viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
DA host ribosomal peptide transferase
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. A viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
1. Group III viruses use double-stranded RNA as their genome.
2. The two strands separate, and one of them serves as a template for mRNA.
3. The polymerase that reads that RNA template is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase encoded by the virus itself.
4. A host DNA-dependent RNA polymerase reads DNA, so it cannot copy an RNA genome.
5. Neuraminidase is an influenza envelope enzyme that releases virions, not a polymerase.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 21 "Viruses", section 21.1 Viral Evolution, Morphology, and Classification_
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