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: Concept Overview:
Viruses are categorized by their genetic material: DNA or RNA, either single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds). This question focuses on the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome type.
Step 2: In-Depth Analysis:


The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) belongs to the Flaviviridae family, Hepacivirus genus.

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

This ss(+)RNA genome functions as messenger RNA (mRNA) upon host cell entry, enabling immediate viral protein translation. It also acts as a template for viral genome replication.

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

Note that other hepatitis viruses differ: Hepatitis B features a dsDNA genome, while Hepatitis A also contains an ssRNA genome.

Step 3: Conclusion:
The Hepatitis C virus possesses a single-stranded RNA (ss RNA) genome.