Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A viral genome made up entirely out of ribonucleic acid (RNA). This genetic material carries all necessary instructions for making more viruses inside host cells.
Related terms
Viral Replication: The process by which a virus makes copies of itself within a host organism.
Capsid: The protein shell that surrounds and protects the genetic material of a virus.
Retrovirus: A type of RNA virus that inserts a copy of its genome into the DNA of a host cell in order to replicate.