Is the genetic code inside a virus more like DNA or RNA?

Question

Is the genetic code inside a virus more like DNA or RNA?

Answer 1

Depends.  Viruses are divided into several major groups.

The DNA viruses have a DNA genome that functions similar to our own.  Examples are smallpox, herpes, and the adenoviruses (some colds).

RNA viruses have RNA genomes.  These vary from having an mRNA like genome which immediately codes for a single polyprotein or a one that must be transcribed similar to DNA.  Some examples are polio, SV40, influenza, and rhinoviruses (other colds).

The third kind are retroviruses.  These have an RNA genome which is transcribed into DNA and then inserted into a chromosome.  Other than escaping a cell, they are functionally analogous to a retrotransposon.

Answer 2

It depends.  "Normal" viruses have a DNA genetic code. Retroviruses, which include HIV, use RNA and include an enzyme called "reverse transcriptase", which converts RNA to DNA. It is this DNA that is copied in the infected cell.