Question

Recall What enzyme is responsible for the production of viral DNA from a retrovirus?

Short answer

Reverse transcriptase.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Retroviruses

Retroviruses are a type of virus that use RNA as their genetic material. When they infect a cell, they need to convert their RNA into DNA, which can then be integrated into the host cell's genome.

Identify the Key Enzyme

The enzyme responsible for converting viral RNA into DNA is called reverse transcriptase. This enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of DNA from an RNA template.

Recall the Enzyme's Name

Write down the name of the enzyme: reverse transcriptase. It is a crucial component for the lifecycle of retroviruses, enabling them to replicate within the host cell.

Key concepts

Retroviruses

Retroviruses are a unique type of virus that carry RNA as their genetic material, rather than the more common DNA. When a retrovirus infects a host cell, it uses a special enzyme to convert its RNA into DNA. This conversion is essential because the virus needs its genetic material in DNA form so it can integrate into the host cell's genome. Without this integration step, the virus cannot replicate and produce new virus particles. Examples of retroviruses include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Retroviruses have a special trick up their sleeve that distinguishes them from many other viruses.

RNA to DNA Conversion

The process of converting RNA to DNA is a key step in the life cycle of retroviruses. This process is catalyzed by an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase reads the viral RNA and synthesizes a complementary DNA strand. This newly formed DNA complements the RNA template. Following this, the RNA is degraded, and a second strand of DNA is synthesized to form a complete double-stranded DNA molecule. This DNA is then ready to be integrated into the host cell’s DNA, enabling the viral genes to be transcribed and the virus to replicate.

Viral Replication Enzyme

The viral replication enzyme reverse transcriptase plays a crucial role in the life cycle of retroviruses. This enzyme carries out two main functions:

• First, it converts viral RNA into a single-stranded DNA.
• Second, it synthesizes a complementary DNA strand to the first, resulting in a double-stranded DNA molecule.

Without reverse transcriptase, the RNA genome of a retrovirus would remain useless, unable to hijack the host's cellular machinery for its replication. In medical science, reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) are often used in treatments for diseases caused by retroviruses, like HIV. These inhibitors aim to block the action of reverse transcriptase, thereby preventing the virus from replicating within the host cells.