Final answer:
HIV uses reverse transcription to synthesize a DNA strand using its RNA genome as a template.
Step-by-step explanation:
HIV uses a process called reverse transcription to synthesize a DNA strand using its RNA genome as a template. This process involves the use of an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which is carried within the HIV capsid. Reverse transcriptase synthesizes a complementary DNA strand (cDNA) using the positive single-stranded RNA genome as a template. The cDNA is then converted into double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which can integrate into the host chromosome as a provirus, allowing the virus to establish a chronic infection.