Question

A researcher performs a DNA microarray but forgets to add the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This is important because the enzyme makes _____ from a(n) _____ template.

a) RNA, DNA
b) DNA, RNA
c) DNA, protein
d) RNA, protein

Answer 1

The enzyme reverse transcriptase is used to transcribe RNA into DNA and is essential for producing DNA from an RNA template during processes like DNA microarrays and in the replication of retroviruses like HIV. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme reverse transcriptase is critical in the process of reverse transcribing RNA into DNA. When a researcher forgets to add this enzyme during a DNA microarray, they inadvertently prevent the synthesis of DNA from an RNA template.

The correct answer to what the enzyme reverse transcriptase makes from an RNA template is b) DNA, RNA. This enzyme transcribes RNA into DNA, not protein, and does not involve the translation process.

Reverse transcriptase is also a crucial enzyme for retroviruses, such as HIV, which contain an RNA genome that must be reverse transcribed into DNA before it can be incorporated into the host's genome.