Which virus is a single-stranded DNA virus?

Which virus is a single-stranded DNA virus?

• A. Adenovirus
• B. Parvovirus B19
• C. Varicella-zoster virus
• D. Herpes simplex virus

Answer: (B)

The key idea is genome type. Parvovirus B19 is the only virus here with a single-stranded DNA genome. Parvoviridae are small, nonenveloped viruses with a linear ssDNA genome. Because ssDNA cannot be transcribed directly, the virus must first be converted to double-stranded DNA by the host cell before transcription and replication can proceed. In contrast, adenovirus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes simplex virus all have double-stranded DNA genomes (with varying envelopes), so they do not share this single-stranded DNA characteristic. Parvovirus B19 is known for causing erythema infectiosum and can cause aplastic crises in individuals with certain anemias.

The key idea is genome type. Parvovirus B19 is the only virus here with a single-stranded DNA genome. Parvoviridae are small, nonenveloped viruses with a linear ssDNA genome. Because ssDNA cannot be transcribed directly, the virus must first be converted to double-stranded DNA by the host cell before transcription and replication can proceed. In contrast, adenovirus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes simplex virus all have double-stranded DNA genomes (with varying envelopes), so they do not share this single-stranded DNA characteristic. Parvovirus B19 is known for causing erythema infectiosum and can cause aplastic crises in individuals with certain anemias.