Question

Why does the HIV virus use reverse transcriptase in the replication process?

a) To integrate its genome into the host DNA
b) To synthesize RNA from DNA
c) To synthesize DNA from RNA
d) To package the viral genome

Answer 1

The HIV virus uses reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genome into DNA, which is then integrated into the host cell's genome. This step is vital for the virus's replication and allows the establishment of chronic infection. Drugs targeting reverse transcriptase can inhibit HIV replication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The HIV virus uses reverse transcriptase in the replication process to synthesize DNA from RNA. This enzyme converts the viral RNA into a complementary strand of DNA (cDNA). This cDNA is then replicated to form double-stranded DNA, which can integrate into the host cell's genome, becoming a permanent part of the host as a provirus. This integration into the host DNA is crucial as it allows HIV to establish a chronic infection and escape the host's immune response. Reverse transcription allows HIV to exploit the host's cellular machinery to replicate and produce new viral particles. Drugs like AZT target reverse transcriptase, inhibiting HIV replication.

Retroviruses, such as HIV, have an RNA genome that must be reverse transcribed into DNA, which is then integrated into the host's DNA. To convert RNA into DNA, retroviruses contain the enzyme reverse transcriptase that transcribes an RNA template to DNA. This process allows the virus to make a permanent copy of its genome within the host cell.