UPSC Prelims 2021·GS1·science-and-technology·ipr and biotechnology

Consider the following statements : 1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes. 2. Common cold is sometime caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A1 only
  2. B2 onlyCorrect
  3. CBoth 1 and 2
  4. DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Adenoviruses possess double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. Retroviruses, on the other hand, have single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) genomes. A defining characteristic of retroviruses is that they use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA genome into DNA once they infect a host cell. This DNA is then integrated into the host's genome. Statement 2 is correct: Adenoviruses are a common cause of respiratory illnesses, including some forms of the common cold, as well as conjunctivitis and gastroenteritis. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is a retrovirus.
science-and-technology: Consider the following statements : 1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-st
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