Reverse Transcriptase, the Enzyme Responsible for Copying Viral RNA into CDNA

question 17

Essay

Reverse transcriptase, the enzyme responsible for copying viral RNA into cDNA prior to integration into the host genome, lacks 3'-to-5' exonuclease "proofreading" ability. This may seem like a disadvantage to organisms that depend on such enzymes, but in fact they turn it to their advantage. How is this so?

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Definitions:

Phosphodiester Bonds

chemical bonds that link nucleotides together in DNA and RNA, forming the backbone of these molecules.

Sugar

A category of soluble, sweet-tasting carbohydrates found naturally in foods, used primarily for energy in living organisms.

Phosphate

A chemical compound containing the phosphate ion, involved in energy transfer and storage in biological systems.

Backbone

The spine or vertebral column; a series of connected bones or vertebrae that provide structural support and protection to the spinal cord in vertebrates.