Final answer:
Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that synthesizes complementary DNA (cDNA) from mRNA(C). It is integral for the replication of retroviruses and is also used in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology in laboratories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Function of Reverse Transcriptase
The function of reverse transcriptase is C) It makes complementary DNA (cDNA) from mRNA. This enzyme, typically found in retroviruses like HIV, takes the viral RNA genome and synthesizes a complementary DNA strand. This newly synthesized cDNA can then be replicated to form a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which integrates into the host's genome. In the laboratory, reverse transcriptase is used to create cDNA libraries from mRNA samples, which are vital in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology.
After the initial synthesis of the first cDNA strand, reverse transcriptase also catalyzes the synthesis of the second cDNA strand. This means the enzyme can recognize both DNA and RNA templates, facilitating the formation of the full double-stranded cDNA necessary for subsequent steps in the replication process of the virus.
Contrary to some misconceptions, reverse transcriptase does not directly translate RNA into protein or involve protein synthesis in its function. Instead, it is exclusively involved in the reverse transcription process where an RNA template is used to form a complementary DNA sequence.