Question

The novel DNA polymerase of the retroviruses is?

1) DNA polymerase I
2) DNA polymerase II
3) DNA polymerase III
4) Reverse transcriptase

Answer 1

The DNA polymerase unique to retroviruses is known as reverse transcriptase, which converts RNA into DNA and forms the basis for integration of the viral genome into the host's DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The novel DNA polymerase of retroviruses is none of the conventional DNA polymerases I, II, or III found in prokaryotic organisms. Instead, it is the enzyme known as reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase is unique to retroviruses, such as HIV, and it carries out the reverse transcription process, which involves copying their RNA genome into DNA. This DNA is then integrated into the host's genome.

This enzyme not only transcribes RNA into DNA but is also responsible for making a second DNA strand complementary to the transcribed single DNA strand, thus creating a double-stranded DNA from an RNA template.