RNA retroviruses
A) have only a few genes,including one that allows them to make mRNA from their genome.
B) include viruses that are responsible for causing plant diseases and are referred to as mosaic viruses.
C) regenerate themselves by reverse transcription.
D) are polyphyletic and include some viruses that have more than a million base pairs.
E) have distinct lipids in their plasma membranes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RNA retroviruses regenerate themselves by reverse transcription, which is the process of converting single-stranded RNA into double-stranded DNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome and used to create new virus particles. Option A is incorrect because while RNA retroviruses do have genes that allow for the creation of mRNA from their genome, they are not limited to only a few genes. Option B is incorrect because mosaic viruses are a specific group of plant viruses, but not all RNA retroviruses are responsible for plant diseases. Option D is incorrect because RNA retroviruses are a monophyletic group (meaning they descend from a common ancestor) and do not have viruses with over a million base pairs. Option E is incorrect because while RNA retroviruses do have plasma membranes, they do not have distinct lipids that are unique to them.

RNA Retroviruses