What type of genome does HIV possess?

Study for the NBEO Microbiology exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What type of genome does HIV possess?

Explanation:
HIV is an RNA virus. As a member of the Retroviridae family, its genome is single-stranded, positive-sense RNA that exists as two copies in each virion. When the virus infects a cell, reverse transcriptase converts that RNA into DNA, which then integrates into the host genome. So the genetic material packaged with the virus is RNA, not DNA (and it isn’t circular). This is why the correct answer is RNA.

HIV is an RNA virus. As a member of the Retroviridae family, its genome is single-stranded, positive-sense RNA that exists as two copies in each virion. When the virus infects a cell, reverse transcriptase converts that RNA into DNA, which then integrates into the host genome. So the genetic material packaged with the virus is RNA, not DNA (and it isn’t circular). This is why the correct answer is RNA.

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