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What is the function of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses? Question 3 option

ID: 69518 • Letter: W

Question

What is the function of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses?

Question 3 options:

It hydrolyzes the host cell's DNA.

It converts host cell RNA into viral DNA.

It translates viral RNA into proteins.

It uses viral RNA as a template for making complementary RNA strands.

It uses viral RNA as a template for DNA synthesis.

A)

It hydrolyzes the host cell's DNA.

B)

It converts host cell RNA into viral DNA.

C)

It translates viral RNA into proteins.

D)

It uses viral RNA as a template for making complementary RNA strands.

E)

It uses viral RNA as a template for DNA synthesis.

Explanation / Answer

Viruses contain DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid) as their genetic material, and they reproduce in the host cells. Retrovirus such as HIV (human immune deficiency virus) reproduces in a different way, as they contain reverse transcriptase enzyme.

In this, a complementary DNA is transcribed from the RNA genome, and it is called as DNA provirus. The DNA provirus is expressed in the host to produce virions. So, retro viruses replicate by using DNA intermediates. So, the enzyme reverse transcriptase uses viral RNA as a template for DNA synthesis.

Thus, the correct option is (E).

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