**Core Concept**
Influenza viruses are orthomyxoviruses that exhibit a unique combination of characteristics, including helical symmetry, segmented RNA, and surface spikes. These features are essential for their replication, transmission, and pathogenicity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Influenza viruses possess a segmented, single-stranded RNA genome, which is a hallmark of the Orthomyxoviridae family. This segmented RNA allows the virus to reassort genetic material during co-infection, resulting in new strains with altered antigenicity. The presence of helical symmetry and surface spikes (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) is also characteristic of influenza viruses. However, the statement that influenza viruses have single-stranded non-segmented RNA is incorrect, as their genome is indeed segmented.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Helical symmetry is a correct feature of influenza viruses, as they exhibit a helical nucleocapsid structure.
**Option C:** Haemagglutinin and neuraminidase spikes are indeed present on the surface of influenza viruses, facilitating attachment to and release from host cells.
**Option D:** RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is a correct enzyme involved in the replication of influenza viruses, responsible for synthesizing new RNA strands from the viral genome.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Influenza viruses exhibit antigenic drift and shift due to their segmented genome, leading to the emergence of new strains and the need for annual vaccine updates.
**β Correct Answer: B. Single stranded non segmented RNA**
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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