An RNA Genome Itself Serves as MRNA in Negative-Stranded RNA

Question

An RNA genome itself serves as mRNA in negative-stranded RNA viruses.

Accepted Answer

In negative-stranded RNA viruses, the RNA genome is complementary to the mRNA and must undergo transcription by a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase before it can be translated into proteins. This is in contrast to positive-stranded RNA viruses where the genome can be directly translated into proteins.