Question

Reverse transcriptase (RNA-dependant DNA polymerase) is associated with which of the following

A) retroviruses
B) dsDNA viruses
C) ssDNA viruses
D) -SSRNA viruses
E) dsRNA viruses

Answer 1

Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme found in retroviruses, like HIV, and is crucial for converting viral RNA to DNA which then integrates into the host genome. This allows the virus to establish a chronic infection and is a key target for antiviral drugs. It is also utilized in scientific research for cDNA synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reverse transcriptase, an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, is specifically associated with retroviruses such as HIV. This enzyme enables the conversion of viral RNA into DNA within the host cell, a process known as reverse transcription. Retroviruses like HIV carry reverse transcriptase within their capsid, which synthesizes a complementary single-stranded DNA (cDNA) from its RNA genome.

This cDNA is then converted into double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) which can integrate into the host genome and become a provirus, leading to chronic infection. Reverse transcriptase is also a valuable tool in genetic engineering and research, enabling the synthesis of cDNA from RNA sequences in the laboratory setting for various applications, including reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR).