Biology / Unit 9 Bio 1907 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Viral Genome Types: DNA and RNA
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The idea
Unlike cellular life, which always uses DNA, a viral genome may be DNA or RNA, single- or double-stranded, linear or circular.
In practice
Herpesviruses carry double-stranded DNA genomes; influenza carries a segmented, single-stranded RNA genome.
Where people slip
Do not assume every virus stores its genes as double-stranded DNA the way cells do — genome type must be determined, not presumed.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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