EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Retroviruses are distinguished from other viruses by their ability to reverse-transcribe their RNA genomes into DNA intermediates by using the enzyme RT. The provirus DNA genome is then integrated into the host cell chromosomes by action of the viral enzyme integrase (IN).

Detailed explanation-2: -Retroviruses differ from other viruses in that each virion contains two complete copies of the single-stranded RNA genome.

Detailed explanation-3: -Retroviruses are a type of virus that use a special enzyme called reverse transcriptase to translate its genetic information into DNA. That DNA can then integrate into the host cell’s DNA. Once integrated, the virus can use the host cell’s components to make additional viral particles.

Detailed explanation-4: -How are retroviruses different from other viruses? Most RNA viruses reproduce by inserting RNA into the host cell. The RNA contains the instructions for making copies of the virus. A retrovirus is an RNA virus, but in the cell it is first converted into DNA and inserted into the host’s genes.

Detailed explanation-5: -Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme found in retroviruses that converts the RNA genome carried in the retrovirus particle into double-stranded DNA. Reverse transcriptase first transcribes a complementary strand of DNA to make an RNA:DNA hybrid.