The VPg Protein from Picornaviruses Has Which of the Following

Question

The VPg protein from picornaviruses has which of the following function?
A) It acts as a primer for RNA synthesis.
B) It is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
C) It is the protease the cleaves the viral polyprotein.
D) It induces the formation of cellular membranes.
E) It packages the viral genome into capsids.

Accepted Answer

The VPg protein from picornaviruses acts as a primer for RNA synthesis during genome replication. It is covalently linked to the 5' end of the viral RNA genome and provides a free 3'-OH group for the initiation of RNA synthesis.