Q. 26 - Biology

Question

One of the first and most important targets for drugs to fight infection with HIV (a retrovirus) is the reverse transcriptase enzyme. Why? 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The reverse transcriptase is required for the replication of HIV-1, inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme could be a way to stop the virus from spreading.

Introduction

By introducing mutations into the viral genome, HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) contributes to the development of anti-AIDS drug resistance. Mutations in RT cause resistance to RT inhibitors at the molecular level. HIV-1 drugs include eight nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NRTIs) and five non-nucleoside inhibitors (NNRTIs).

Explanation

The reverse transcriptase is required for the replication of HIV-1, inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme could be a way to stop the virus from spreading. Importantly, because host cells do not produce reverse transcriptase, targeting reverse transcriptase causes little harm to the host cell. When we use reverse transcriptase inhibitors, we can target the virus rather than the host cell.

Step 3: Final Answer

The reverse transcriptase is required for the replication of HIV-1 in order to stop virus from spreading.