Question

Certain viruses, like HIV, actually contain RNA. When a virus of this type takes over a host cell, it makes DNA from its RNA. The viral DNA is then used to make an RNA copy, which is used to make viral proteins. However, in cells the flow of genetic information is from DNA → RNA → Proteins. Explain how this differs from viruses (not considered cells) like HIV.

Answer 1

In viruses like HIV, the flow of information goes from RNA -> DNA -> RNA -> Protein, whereas the flow of information in all cells is DNA ->RNA -> Protein.