Question

Cancer viruses transform cells by integrating themselves into what part of the host cell?

1) cytoplasm
2) nucleus
3) rna
4) dna

Answer 1

Cancer viruses transform cells by integrating their genetic material into the host cell's DNA within the nucleus.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cancer viruses, also known as oncoviruses, can transform cells by integrating themselves into the host cell's DNA. This integration typically occurs in the nucleus of the host cell. The process involves the virus's RNA entering the nucleus, where it is reverse-transcribed into complementary DNA (cDNA) using viral enzymes. This cDNA is then integrated into the host's genome with the help of an enzyme called integrase. Once integrated, the viral DNA can alter the normal function of the cell and potentially lead to cancerous transformation. An example of such a virus is HIV, which integrates its genetic material into the DNA of immune cells, leading to various complications including AIDS.