Question

How do retroviruses produce their many proteins from the three genes that they initially encode?

Answer 1

Retroviruses, like HIV, produce their proteins through a multi-step process that includes reverse transcription of the viral RNA into DNA, integration into the host cell's genome, transcription and translation of viral genes into proteins, and assembly of viral particles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Retroviruses, such as HIV, produce their many proteins from the three genes they initially encode through a multi-step process.

1. The retrovirus must first infect a host cell and insert its RNA genome, which must be reverse-transcribed into DNA.
2. The viral DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome.
3. The integrated viral DNA is transcribed into viral mRNA, which is then translated into viral enzymes and capsid proteins.
4. These proteins assemble to form new viral particles (virions).

The fact that retroviruses produce some of their own enzymes not found in the host has allowed researchers to develop drugs that specifically target these viral enzymes without affecting the host's metabolism.