Why is HIV called a retrovirus?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of why HIV is classified as a retrovirus. To answer this, we will explore the characteristics of retroviruses, particularly focusing on their replication process and the role of reverse transcriptase in converting their RNA into DNA.
Answer
It contains reverse transcriptase.
The final answer is because it contains reverse transcriptase.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is because it contains reverse transcriptase.
More Information
A retrovirus is called so because it uses reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that transcribes RNA into DNA. This process is 'reverse' of the usual transcription occurring in cells where DNA is transcribed into RNA.
Sources
- Retrovirus - Clinical Info HIV.gov - clinicalinfo.hiv.gov
- What Is a Retrovirus? Definition and Examples - Verywell Health - verywellhealth.com
- What Is an Example of a Retrovirus? - WebMD - webmd.com
- Retrovirus | Definition, Examples, Diseases, Replication, & Facts - britannica.com
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