Difference between RNA viruses and DNA viruses, get to know what RNA viruses are

One of the RNA viruses that we know is the Coronavirus which is the mastermind behind the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.

Difference between RNA viruses and DNA viruses, get to know what RNA viruses are
Virus illustration | maxpixel.com

RNA viruses are a group of viruses whose genome consists of double-stranded (RNA)-based genetic material and allows RNA replication. RNA is an abbreviation for ribonucleic acid. This is a type of nucleic acid that plays a role in carrying biological genetic information. Like other DNA viruses, RNA viruses reproduce in host cells. However, their replication is completed in a different way than that of DNA viruses.

The most famous RNA virus from 2020 is SARS-CoV-2. This is the virus that causes Covid-19 and has caused a global pandemic. This virus belongs to the influenza family, which gave rise to the initial theory that this virus came from birds or langurs sold in a closed market in Wuhan, China.

 

Classification of RNA Viruses

1. Retroviruses

Retroviruses are a type of RNA virus that has an outer capsid protein component and stores their genetic material in the form of two RNA segments. AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are examples of dangerous retroviruses.

2. Negative Single-Stranded Virus

Viruses with only one RNA segment store genetic information, usually having several parts (subgenomes). Viruses like this are easier to survive because their genetic material is separate.

3. Positive single-stranded virus

This virus originates from a single RNA containing positive-strand genetic material and increases to produce smaller segments containing negative-strand genetic information.

RNA viruses are more commonly found in animals and plants than DNA viruses. If you are interested in learning more about RNA viruses, you can check out the many post-research websites that offer data-driven and grid-based introductions to each of these types of viruses.

 

Difference between RNA and DNA viruses

RNA viruses and DNA viruses are two different types of viruses. The difference mainly lies in their genetic type. DNA viruses have DNA chains consisting of nitrogen, carbon and oxygen atoms. RNA viruses, on the other hand, have RNA chains consisting of nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, and oxygen atoms.

DNA viruses also have the capacity to store more genetic data than RNA viruses. Because of this, many DNA viruses have more and more complex genes. On the other hand, RNA viruses tend to have fewer and simpler genes.

These two types of viruses also differ in the way they replicate. DNA viruses usually require nuclear replication, where the DNA chains divide the cell first before replication can actually occur. RNA viruses, on the other hand, usually require ribosomal replication, in which transcription enzymes copy the genetic information before forming a new percentage of RNA.

 

Examples of RNA Viruses

1. Influenza Virus

Influenza viruses are one of the best-known examples of RNA viruses. This is the virus responsible for the flu season, which is a recurring infectious disease that bothers many people every year. This virus can enter the body through the air or direct contact with other people.

2. HIV

The HIV virus is an RNA virus that is suspected of causing AIDS. This virus cannot be transmitted through direct contact but through the infected bloodstream.

3. Dengue virus

Dengue virus is a deadly derivative RNA virus. It is one of the main causes of death from infectious diseases worldwide. Symptoms such as fever, headache, and nausea are usually indicated when a person is infected with this virus.

4. Coronavirus

This virus is one of the RNA viruses that causes the COVID-19 outbreak throughout the world. This type of virus can spread through the air and cause a lung infection called COVID-19.

 

Complete Explanation of RNA Viruses

What are RNA Viruses? RNA viruses are a type of virus that uses ribonucleic acid (RNA) as genetic material for infection. They cause various diseases in humans, animals, plants, and birds. Various viruses, such as the coronavirus or the COVID-19 virus, are examples of RNA viruses.

RNA viruses have an outer covering called a shell. Viyel functions as a protective mechanism, allowing viruses to enter body cells without being recognized as enemies. This envelope also contains proteins that bind and attach the virus to cells. Once bound, the virus melts the body's cell walls so that its genetic material can be inserted into the cell.

RNA viruses use a ribonucleic acid component called RNA polymerase to copy their genetic material during replication. In contrast to DNA viruses, RNA viruses cannot settle or bind to cells without other help. Rather than replication, they must enlist the cell's cooperation by using ribosomes. Ribosomes will bind mRNA (unravelled RNA) to amino acids to create viral proteins.

RNA viruses often interact with cells to increase the rate of replication. Also, some virus-specific proteins can block cells' immune response and help the virus survive for a long time in the body.

The most common RNA viruses found in humans are hepatitis viruses, influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and the HIV. RNA viruses have short replication and are gene-hungry, which makes them easy to adapt to different environments. This makes RNA viruses very dangerous to humans and animals.

With more and more biotechnology products being developed based on RNA viruses, this brief review of RNA viruses can give you a greater understanding of viruses and their potential dangers. Furthermore, further research could allow scientists to understand how this virus is controlled so that it does not spread and cause disease in humans.