Baltimore Classification System
Key Enzymes
Class Type of Genome Mode of mRNA Production Detailed Explanation (Full Sentences)
Involved
Class I viruses have a double-stranded DNA genome
Host RNA polymerase similar to that of the host cell. The viral DNA enters
mRNA is transcribed directly
Double-stranded DNA II (sometimes viral the nucleus, and host enzymes transcribe it into
I from the DNA using the host
(dsDNA) DNA polymerase for mRNA. These viruses rely primarily on the host’s
cell’s RNA polymerase II.
replication). replication machinery. Examples include Adenoviruses
and Herpesviruses.
Class II viruses contain single-stranded DNA which
The ssDNA is converted into cannot be directly transcribed into mRNA. Instead, it
Host DNA
Single-stranded DNA double-stranded DNA by host must first form a complementary strand, producing
II polymerase, Host RNA
(ssDNA) DNA polymerase before mRNA double-stranded DNA. The host cell’s enzymes then
polymerase II.
transcription. transcribe the viral genes into mRNA. Examples
include Parvoviruses.
Class III viruses have double-stranded RNA genomes,
Each strand of the RNA serves which cannot be directly read by the host’s ribosomes.
Double-stranded RNA as a template for mRNA Viral RNA-dependent They carry or encode their own RNA-dependent RNA
III
(dsRNA) synthesis using a viral RNA- RNA polymerase. polymerase to synthesize mRNA from the negative
dependent RNA polymerase. RNA strand. Examples include Reoviruses and
Rotaviruses.
Key Enzymes
Class Type of Genome Mode of mRNA Production Detailed Explanation (Full Sentences)
Involved
Class IV viruses possess a positive-sense RNA genome,
The genome itself acts as Viral RNA-dependent meaning their RNA can be immediately used as mRNA
Single-stranded RNA mRNA and is directly RNA polymerase (for by host ribosomes. However, they also synthesize a
IV
(+ sense) translated into viral proteins replication, not complementary negative-sense RNA strand to produce
upon entry into the host cell. translation). more viral genomes. Examples include Poliovirus and
Dengue virus.
Class V viruses have negative-sense RNA that cannot
The negative RNA strand is
be directly translated into proteins. They must carry
used as a template to
Single-stranded RNA Viral RNA-dependent their own RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to
V synthesize positive-sense
(– sense) RNA polymerase. produce a complementary positive-sense RNA, which
mRNA by a viral RNA-
serves as mRNA. Examples include Influenza viruses
dependent RNA polymerase.
and Rabies virus.
Class VI viruses use an RNA genome that is reverse-
The RNA genome is reverse-
Single-stranded RNA transcribed into DNA by the viral enzyme reverse
transcribed into DNA, which Reverse transcriptase,
(+ sense) with DNA transcriptase. The resulting DNA integrates into the
VI integrates into the host Integrase, Host RNA
intermediate host genome, and host enzymes transcribe it into
genome; mRNA is transcribed polymerase II.
(Retroviruses) mRNA. Examples include HIV and Human T-cell
from this integrated DNA.
leukemia virus (HTLV).
Key Enzymes
Class Type of Genome Mode of mRNA Production Detailed Explanation (Full Sentences)
Involved
Class VII viruses contain a double-stranded DNA
The viral DNA is transcribed
Double-stranded DNA genome that uses reverse transcription during
into RNA, which serves both as Reverse transcriptase,
with RNA replication. Their DNA is transcribed into RNA, which
VII mRNA and as a template for Host RNA polymerase
intermediate functions as mRNA and is also reverse-transcribed into
reverse transcription back into II.
(Pararetroviruses) DNA for new virions. An example is the Hepatitis B
DNA.
virus.