Q. 17.79 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

A specific virus contains RNA as its genetic material. 

a. Why would reverse transcription be used in the life cycle of this type of virus? 

b. What is the name of this type of virus?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) Reverse transcription changes the RNA strand into the DNA strand.

(b) The name of the virus is retrovirus.

Part (a) Step 1: Given Information

We have to find out the reasons for the reverse transcription used by viruses.

Part (a) Step 2: Explanation

Reverse transcription is used to convert RNA of interest into easier to study and more complementary DNA so that molecular biologists can conduct research on it. It is necessary for viruses because it is the major way for them to survive. It occurs both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and the major reason is behind their survival.

Part (b) Step 1: Given Information

We have to find out the name of the virus that uses reverse transcription.

Part (b) Step 2: Explanation

The virus that uses reverse transcription is a retrovirus. It is an organism that has a polymerase enzyme that uses the RNA template and converts it into a complementary strand of DNA.