What is the Difference Between Positive and Negative Sense RNA Virus?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between positive and negative sense RNA viruses lies in the way their RNA is translated into proteins within the host cell. Here are the key differences between the two types of RNA viruses:
- Positive Sense RNA Virus:
- Contains a single-stranded RNA genome that directly works as mRNA.
- The viral RNA can be directly translated into proteins in the host cell.
- Examples include the Ebola virus and the influenza virus.
- Negative Sense RNA Virus:
- Comprises a single-stranded RNA genome that generates a complementary sequence of mRNA.
- The negative sense RNA is also referred to as antisense or minus strand.
- The viral RNA must be converted to positive-sense RNA before it can be translated into proteins.
In summary, positive sense RNA viruses have a genome that can be directly translated into proteins, while negative sense RNA viruses require an additional step to convert their genome into a positive-sense RNA before translation can occur.
Comparative Table: Positive vs Negative Sense RNA Virus
Here is a table comparing the differences between positive and negative sense RNA viruses:
| Feature | Positive Sense RNA Viruses | Negative Sense RNA Viruses |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Material | Single-stranded RNA as genetic content which directly works on mRNA | Single-stranded RNA as genetic content that generates a complementary sequence of mRNA |
| mRNA Translation | Positive sense RNA virus' genome is present, allowing it to act as mRNA and be directly translated into proteins | Negative sense RNA genome is present, which is complementary to the viral mRNA |
| Translation Ready | The genome is 'translation ready' and can be directly translated into proteins by the host ribosome | The genome is not 'translation ready' and requires conversion to positive sense RNA by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) before being translated into proteins |
| Examples | SARS CoV-2, Rhino viruses, Dengue virus, MERS coronavirus | Influenza virus, Ebola virus, Hanta virus, Rabies virus, Mumps virus |
The key difference between the two types of RNA viruses lies in their genome and the ability to be translated directly into proteins. Positive sense RNA viruses have a genome that can act as mRNA and be directly translated into proteins, while negative sense RNA viruses require an additional step to convert their genome to positive sense RNA before being translated into proteins.
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