Question

Which enzyme is unique to the retro elements?

a)Reverse transcriptase
b)Reverse resolvase
c)Transposase
d)Integrase
e)Reverse integrase

Answer 1

Reverse transcriptase is the unique enzyme to retro elements, catalyzing the conversion of RNA into DNA, which is then integrated into the host genome by the enzyme integrase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme unique to retro elements, such as retrotransposons and retroviruses like HIV, is reverse transcriptase. This crucial enzyme converts their RNA into DNA, a process known as reverse transcription, which is not found naturally within uninfected host cells.

The DNA product is then integrated into the host genome, a step facilitated by another enzyme called integrase. It's important to note that reverse transcriptase is unique in its ability to synthesize DNA from an RNA template, distinguishing retro elements from other genetic elements that do not undergo reverse transcription.