Question

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the retrovirus that causes AIDS. AZT was one of the first drugs designed to interfere with retroviral DNA synthesis. When cells take up AZT, they convert it to AZT-triphosphate. Explain how AZT interferes with DNA synthesis.

Short answer

AZT is thus incorporated into DNA in such a way that the synthesis of DNA is stopped because AZT does not have a 3'-OH group that can react with another nucleotide triphosphate.

Step-by-step solution

AZT drug

It is a type of anti-HIV drug. AZT is used to treat Human Immune deficiency syndrome.It is found to be toxic to the human cell. AZT is incorporated into human mitochondrial cells and causes genetic instability and toxicity.

AZT interference with DNA synthesis

AZT is incorporated into DNA when the 3'-OH group of the last nucleotide incorporated into the growing chain of the DNA attacks the -phosphorus of AZT-triphosphate instead of a normal nucleotide. When AZT is thus incorporated into DNA synthesis of DNA is stops because AZT does not have a 3'-OH group that can react with another nucleotide triphosphate.