Question

Hepatitis C virus can cause liver cancer. It has:

• A. ds DNA genome
• B. ssDNA genome
• C. ss RNA genome
• D. ds RNA genome

Hint:

Remember the hepatitis virus genomes: Hep \textbf{B} has DNA (\textbf{B} is the only DNA one). Hep \textbf{A} and \textbf{C} have RNA. Most RNA viruses that cause chronic infections (like HCV, HIV) are single-stranded.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Viruses are classified based on their genetic material (DNA or RNA, single-stranded or double-stranded). The question asks for the type of genome found in the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family, genus Hepacivirus.

The genome of HCV is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA molecule.

This ss(+)RNA genome acts directly as messenger RNA (mRNA) upon entering the host cell, allowing for the immediate translation of viral proteins. It also serves as a template for replication of the viral genome.

Chronic infection with HCV is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Other hepatitis viruses have different genomes: Hepatitis B has a dsDNA genome, while Hepatitis A also has an ssRNA genome.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hepatitis C virus has a single-stranded RNA (ss RNA) genome.