Textbook Question
The smallest animal viruses are in the family ___________.
a. Caliciviridae
b. Astroviridae
c. Togaviridae
d. Picornaviridae
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18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions
Introduction to Viruses
2:18 minutesProblem 11
Textbook Question
Reoviruses, such as rotaviruses and coltiviruses, are unique in ___________.
a. Being naked
b. Having double-stranded RNA
c. Being both arboviruses and zoonotic
d. Having protein spikes
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the characteristics of Reoviruses by reviewing their structural and genetic features. Reoviruses are a family of viruses that include rotaviruses and coltiviruses.
Step 2: Recall that Reoviruses are unique because they have a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, which is uncommon among viruses, as most RNA viruses have single-stranded RNA.
Step 3: Evaluate each option: (a) 'being naked' refers to lacking an envelope, which is true for Reoviruses but not unique to them; many viruses are naked. (b) 'having double-stranded RNA' is a distinctive feature of Reoviruses. (c) 'being both arboviruses and zoonotic' applies to some viruses but is not a defining trait of all Reoviruses. (d) 'having protein spikes' is common in many viruses and not unique to Reoviruses.
Step 4: Conclude that the unique feature of Reoviruses among the options given is their double-stranded RNA genome.
Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer corresponds to the option that highlights the double-stranded RNA characteristic.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
2mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Structure of Reoviruses
Reoviruses are non-enveloped (naked) viruses characterized by a double-layered protein capsid. This structure protects their genetic material and distinguishes them from enveloped viruses, which have a lipid membrane.
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Double-Stranded RNA Genome
Reoviruses uniquely possess a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, unlike most RNA viruses that have single-stranded RNA. This dsRNA genome is segmented, allowing genetic reassortment and influencing replication mechanisms.
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Arboviruses and Zoonotic Transmission
Arboviruses are viruses transmitted by arthropods, and zoonotic viruses can infect both animals and humans. While some reoviruses like coltiviruses are arboviruses and zoonotic, this is not a universal trait for all reoviruses.
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