Q. 17.119 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

What is the difference between a DNA virus and a retrovirus? $(17.8)$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The difference between a DNA virus and a retrovirus mention given below.

Retroviruses do not kill the cell they infect.  

Viruses do not go through reverse transcription. 

Step 1:Given information

We have to find out the what is the difference between a DNA virus and a retrovirus. 

Step 2:Explanation

There are numerous distinctions between them, which are listed below:

Retrovirus:

1. Their genetic substance is RNA. 

2. Retroviruses do not kill the cell they infect. 

3. To convert RNA to DNA, the retrovirus undertakes reverse transcription.

DNA Virus:

1. They have both RNA and DNA in their genetic makeup. 

2. Once a virus starts multiplying, it might damage the host cell. 

3. Viruses do not go through reverse transcription.

A DNA virus attaches to cell and injects viral DNA that uses the host cell to produce copies of the DNA to make viral RNA. A retrovirus injects viral RNA from which complementary DNA is produced by reverse transcription.