Question

Which of the following enzymes is responsible for transcribing viral RNA into DNA?

1) RNA polymerase

2) reverse transcriptase

3) DNA polymerase

4) reverse integrase

5) RNA duplicase

Answer 1

Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that transcribes viral RNA into DNA, which is a vital step in the replication of retroviruses such as HIV.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme responsible for transcribing viral RNA into DNA is reverse transcriptase. This enzyme is employed by retroviruses, such as HIV, to synthesize DNA using their viral RNA as a template. This newly formed DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome. Reverse transcriptase is critical for the replication process of retroviruses because it allows the viral RNA to be converted into DNA, which is the opposite of the usual process where DNA is transcribed to RNA. This process is a key target for antiretroviral drugs, which inhibit the enzyme and prevent the virus from replicating within the host cells.