Positive Sense RNA Virus vs. Negative Sense RNA Virus — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 28, 2023
Positive Sense RNA Virus is RNA genome can directly translate into proteins. Negative Sense RNA Virus is RNA genome must be transcribed into a positive sense RNA first.
Difference Between Positive Sense RNA Virus and Negative Sense RNA Virus
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Positive Sense RNA Virus are viruses contain RNA that can directly serve as a template for protein synthesis. They are ready for immediate translation upon entering the cell. Negative Sense RNA Virus are viruses contain RNA that is complementary to the mRNA. They need to be converted into positive sense RNA using a viral RNA polymerase before translation.
Positive Sense RNA Virus is often have simpler replication cycles because their RNA can be readily translated by the host's machinery. Negative Sense RNA Virus is the replication of these viruses is more complex as they must carry their own RNA polymerase enzyme for the transcription process.
Positive Sense RNA Virus can quickly hijack the host’s protein synthesis machinery upon entry. Negative Sense RNA Virus need for transcription before translation means these viruses may have a delayed onset of protein synthesis compared to positive sense RNA viruses.
Comparison Chart
RNA Function
Directly serves as mRNA
Must be transcribed to mRNA
Translation
Immediate translation in host cell
Requires transcription first
ADVERTISEMENT
RNA Polymerase
Not required in virion
Must carry own RNA polymerase
Complexity
Simpler replication cycle
More complex replication cycle
Protein Synthesis
Immediate hijacking of host machinery
Delayed protein synthesis
Compare with Definitions
Positive Sense RNA Virus
Can immediately initiate protein synthesis in host.
Upon entry, the positive sense RNA virus Zika immediately translates its RNA.
Negative Sense RNA Virus
Has a more complex replication cycle.
The replication of the negative sense RNA virus Hantaan is more intricate due to transcription needs.
Positive Sense RNA Virus
Contains genetic material ready for immediate use by the host.
Hepatitis C, a positive sense RNA virus, doesn't need transcription for replication.
Negative Sense RNA Virus
Needs transcription into positive sense RNA for translation.
Influenza, a negative sense RNA virus, must transcribe its RNA before protein synthesis.
Positive Sense RNA Virus
Has a simpler replication cycle due to direct translation.
The positive sense RNA virus SARS-CoV-2 quickly replicates using host machinery.
Negative Sense RNA Virus
Carries its own RNA polymerase enzyme.
The negative sense RNA virus Rabies has its own polymerase for RNA transcription.
Positive Sense RNA Virus
Doesn’t carry its own RNA polymerase.
The positive sense RNA virus Dengue fever doesn’t need its own polymerase for replication.
Negative Sense RNA Virus
Exhibits delayed onset of protein synthesis.
Ebola, a negative sense RNA virus, takes time to initiate protein production.
Positive Sense RNA Virus
Contains RNA that’s directly translatable into proteins.
Poliovirus, a positive sense RNA virus, rapidly uses host ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Negative Sense RNA Virus
Contains RNA complementary to mRNA.
Measles, a negative sense RNA virus, has RNA complementary to the host’s mRNA.
Common Curiosities
What is a Positive Sense RNA Virus?
A virus with RNA that can be directly translated into proteins.
What is a Negative Sense RNA Virus?
A virus with RNA that must be transcribed into positive sense RNA first.
Are Positive Sense RNA Viruses more complex?
Generally, no. They have simpler replication cycles.
Can Positive Sense RNA Viruses immediately use host ribosomes?
Yes, their RNA is readily accepted by host ribosomes.
Do Negative Sense RNA Viruses need their own polymerase?
Yes, they carry RNA polymerase for transcription.
Do Negative Sense RNA Viruses cause delayed infection?
Their replication might be slower due to the transcription step.
What’s an example of a Positive Sense RNA Virus?
Poliovirus is an example.
What’s an example of a Negative Sense RNA Virus?
Influenza is an example.
Can Positive Sense RNA Viruses replicate quickly?
Yes, their RNA can be immediately used for protein synthesis.
Can Positive Sense RNA Viruses be immediately infectious?
Yes, upon entry into the host cell.
Can Negative Sense RNA Viruses infect without transcription?
No, transcription is a crucial step for them.
Why do Negative Sense RNA Viruses have delayed protein synthesis?
Due to the need for transcription before translation.
Do Negative Sense RNA Viruses replicate slower?
Their replication cycle is more complex, which might slow it down.
Are both types of viruses equally harmful?
Their harmfulness depends on the specific virus, not their RNA sense.
Is the genetic material of Positive Sense RNA Viruses complex?
No, it’s relatively straightforward.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Nylon 6 vs. Nylon 66
Next Comparison
P Type Semiconductor vs. N Type SemiconductorAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
