Question

Most organisms carry their hereditary genetic information as DNA. However, some viruses use RNA instead. The HIV virus has RNA, but its genetic information is found in host DNA. How does this happen?

a. An enzyme reverses the usual process, producing DNA from the viral RNA.
b. The viral RNA goes through translation in the host cell.
c. The viral RNA is actually a variant of DNA.
d. Viral RNA attaches to the host’s chromosomes.

Answer 1

The HIV virus carries its genetic information as RNA and uses reverse transcriptase to convert it into DNA, which is then incorporated into the host cell's DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

Most viruses carry their genetic information as either DNA or RNA. The HIV virus is a retrovirus that carries its genetic information as RNA. When it infects a host cell, the viral RNA is converted into DNA using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This viral DNA is then incorporated into the host cell's DNA, allowing the virus to replicate and produce new viral RNA.