AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Reverse transcriptase first transcribes a complementary strand of DNA to make an RNA:DNA hybrid. Next, reverse transcriptase or RNase H degrades the RNA strand of the hybrid. The single-stranded DNA is then used as a template for synthesizing double-stranded DNA (cDNA).

Detailed explanation-2: -HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) catalyzes the synthesis of DNA from DNA or RNA templates. During this process, it must transfer its primer from one template to another RNA or DNA template.

Detailed explanation-3: -RNA can act as a template for DNA synthesis in the reverse transcription of retroviruses and retrotransposons and in the elongation of telomeres.

Detailed explanation-4: -Yes, but the reaction is less efficient (1).

Detailed explanation-5: -The Transcription Process. The process of transcription begins when an enzyme called RNA polymerase (RNA pol) attaches to the template DNA strand and begins to catalyze production of complementary RNA.