Question

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

Short answer

Reverse transcriptase.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Type of Virus

Retroviruses are a type of virus that use RNA as their genetic material. They need to convert their RNA into DNA to integrate into the host's genome.

Understanding Reverse Transcription

The process of converting RNA into DNA is known as reverse transcription. This process is crucial for the lifecycle of a retrovirus.

Identify the Enzyme

The enzyme that facilitates the conversion of viral RNA into DNA during reverse transcription is known as reverse transcriptase. This enzyme is unique to retroviruses and is essential for their replication.

Final Answer

The enzyme responsible for the production of viral DNA from a retrovirus is reverse transcriptase.

Key concepts

retrovirus

Retroviruses are a unique type of virus that have RNA as their genetic material. Unlike many viruses that use DNA, retroviruses need to convert their RNA into DNA when they infect a host cell. This conversion allows them to integrate their genetic material into the host's genome, hijacking the host cell's machinery to replicate and produce more virus particles. Examples include HIV and certain types of leukemia viruses.

reverse transcription

Reverse transcription is the process by which retroviruses convert their RNA into DNA. This is essential for the retrovirus lifecycle because it allows the viral genetic material to become part of the host's DNA. Once it is integrated into the host genome, the viral DNA can be transcribed and translated by the host's cellular machinery, leading to the production of new viral particles. Without reverse transcription, retroviruses would not be able to replicate effectively.

viral replication

Viral replication is the process by which viruses create copies of themselves within a host organism. For retroviruses, this involves several key steps:

• Entering the host cell.
• Converting viral RNA into DNA via reverse transcription.
• Integrating the viral DNA into the host genome.
• Using the host's machinery to transcribe and translate viral proteins.
• Assembling new viral particles.
• Exiting the host cell to infect new cells.

Each of these steps is crucial for the maintenance and spread of the virus within the host.

RNA to DNA conversion

The RNA to DNA conversion is a distinctive feature of retroviruses. This process is carried out by the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Here is how it works:

• The retrovirus enters the host cell.
• Reverse transcriptase converts the viral RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA).
• The cDNA is integrated into the host's genome.

This integrated viral DNA can then be used by the host cell to produce viral proteins and new viral RNA, completing the cycle of infection and replication.