A virus with a negatively stranded genome has its genome chemically extracted from a virion. Why is this genome NOT contagious?
A) Because it is no longer associated with viral proteins
B) Because the genome must first be transcribed into a plus strand
C) Because chemical extraction shears nucleic acids
D) Because it is not incorporated into a suitable host genome
E) Because negative strands are non-transmissible

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Negatively stranded viral genomes must first be transcribed into a positive (plus) strand, which then serves as a template for protein synthesis. Without this transcription step, the genome cannot be expressed and is therefore not infectious on its own.

A Virus with a Negatively Stranded Genome Has Its Genome