virusRNA

RNA virus refers to a virus that possesses ribonucleic acid (RNA) as its genetic material. This RNA molecule serves as the blueprint for the virus, containing all the necessary instructions for its replication and the production of new viral particles. The RNA genome can be either single-stranded (ssRNA) or double-stranded (dsRNA), and it can be positive-sense (+) or negative-sense (-).

Positive-sense RNA viruses have genomes that can be directly translated by the host cell's ribosomes into viral proteins. In contrast, negative-sense RNA viruses have genomes that must first be transcribed into complementary positive-sense RNA by a viral enzyme called RNA-dependent RNA polymerase before translation can occur. Double-stranded RNA viruses possess a genome consisting of two complementary RNA strands.

Upon entering a host cell, RNA viruses utilize the host's cellular machinery, including ribosomes and enzymes, to replicate their genetic material and synthesize viral proteins. This process often leads to the assembly of new virions that are then released from the host cell, typically causing damage or death to the cell and potentially spreading to other cells or hosts. Examples of common RNA viruses include influenza virus, HIV, coronaviruses, and poliovirus. The diverse mechanisms of RNA virus replication and their interactions with host cells are areas of ongoing research in virology.