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MedGames
What type of genome does the virus have? (Baltimore Classification)
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Viral genomes
Knowing what type of genetic material viruses have is an important part of understanding how they replicate inside a cell.
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Double-stranded DNA - Humans also have double-stranded DNA. DNA viruses must enter the nucleus to use the cell's machinery to transcribe mRNA.
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Single-stranded DNA - These viruses use DNA polymerase to create a double-stranded DNA structure. This is transcribed to mRNA.
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Double-stranded RNA - These viruses have their own RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that they use to turn dsRNA into mRNA inside a cell.
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Single-stranded positive sense RNA - This type of RNA acts directly as mRNA once it's inside a cell.
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Single-stranded negative sense RNA - These viruses also have their own RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that they use to turn negative sense RNA into mRNA inside a cell.
Videos:
What is the Baltimore Classification? - This video by The Devil is in The Details is very detailed and focuses on the Baltimore Classification as well as why different genomes impact how viruses function. We suggest skipping the intro and starting at 0:40.
AMBOSS Viral Replication Process - This video talks about how each type of virus gets its genetic material into a cell and transcribed into mRNA. Fair warning: AMBOSS videos are not the most exciting. However, they are considered a USMLE prep workhorse and will focus on high-yield knowledge.
Easy way to Remember DNA Viruses (in Less than 60 Seconds) - If you want to review the DNA viruses including additional details about each virus' structure, this is the video for you!
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