Question

Which of the following describes a polyprotein, such as the Zika virus?

a. mRNAs from different segments of the influenza virus produce different proteins.

b. An HIV virus produces a large protein that contains multiple structure proteins and a protease.

c. During antigenic shift, hybrid influenza viruses show new combinations of proteins that are not easily recognized by the immune system.

d. The poliovirus has a linear positive-strand RNA genome with a polyA tail similar to those found in eukaryotes.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - b. An HIV virus produces a large protein that contains multiple structure proteins and protease.

Additional Information:

Polyproteins are composed of several smaller proteins, which attached covalently and form a large chain of protein. During maturation , viral polyproteins are cleaved by the protease enzymes and exhibit different biological functions.

Example : The HIV genome contains 9 genes which produces 15 different proteins, all of these are synthesized as Polyproteins.