Which form of hepatitis is caused by a DNA virus?

Study for the Bishop Clinical Chemistry Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which form of hepatitis is caused by a DNA virus?

Explanation:
Hepatitis B is caused by a DNA virus. Its genome is a circular, partially double-stranded DNA molecule. During replication it uses an RNA intermediate and reverse transcriptase, which is a hallmark that makes it distinct from the other hepatitis viruses. The others are RNA viruses: hepatitis A and E are non-enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses, hepatitis C is an enveloped positive-sense RNA virus, and hepatitis D is an RNA virus that requires hepatitis B surface antigen to complete its life cycle. Thus, the virus with a DNA genome among these forms is hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is caused by a DNA virus. Its genome is a circular, partially double-stranded DNA molecule. During replication it uses an RNA intermediate and reverse transcriptase, which is a hallmark that makes it distinct from the other hepatitis viruses. The others are RNA viruses: hepatitis A and E are non-enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses, hepatitis C is an enveloped positive-sense RNA virus, and hepatitis D is an RNA virus that requires hepatitis B surface antigen to complete its life cycle. Thus, the virus with a DNA genome among these forms is hepatitis B.

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