Question

Which of the following viruses has a segmented genome?

• A. Tobacco Mosaic Virus
• B. Rabies Virus
• C. Influenza Virus
• D. Hepatitis B Virus

Hint:

Important examples of segmented viruses:
• Influenza virus \(\rightarrow\) 8 RNA segments
• Rotavirus \(\rightarrow\) Segmented double-stranded RNA Remember: \[ \text{Segmented genome} \Rightarrow \text{Genetic reassortment possible} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: A segmented genome means that the genetic material of a virus is divided into separate nucleic acid segments instead of being present as a single continuous strand. Segmented genomes are important because they allow:
• Genetic reassortment
• Rapid evolution of viruses
• Emergence of new viral strains Influenza viruses are well known for having segmented RNA genomes, which is the reason for frequent antigenic shifts.

Step 1: Identifying the virus with segmented genome. The Influenza virus belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae and contains: \[ 8 \text{ separate RNA segments} \] Hence, it possesses a segmented genome. Therefore: \[ \boxed{\text{Influenza Virus has a segmented genome}} \]

Step 2: Eliminating the incorrect options.
• Option (A): Tobacco Mosaic Virus has a single-stranded, non-segmented RNA genome.
• Option (B): Rabies virus contains a non-segmented negative-sense RNA genome.
• Option (D): Hepatitis B virus has a partially double-stranded DNA genome that is non-segmented. Thus, only Influenza virus contains a segmented genome.