To replicate the viral genome, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzymes copy the (+) RNA genome producing ss (-) RNA. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzymes then copy the (-) RNA strands producing ss (+) RNA viral genome.

To produce viral mRNA molecules. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzymes copy the (-) RNA strand into (+) viral mRNA. The (+) viral mRNA can then be transtated into viral proteins by host cell ribosomes.

Illustration of Replication of a Single-Stranded Plus RNA Viral Genome and production of Viral mRNA .jpg by Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology, The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://cwoer.ccbcmd.edu/science/microbiology/index_gos.html.

Last updated: August, 2019
Please send comments and inquiries to Dr. Gary Kaiser