What is the most favorable characteristic of retroviruses that makes them useful in gene therapy applications?
A) Retroviruses have an RNA genome.
B) Retroviruses possess reverse transcriptase.
C) DNA copies of retroviral genomes become integrated into the genome of the infected cell.
D) Retroviruses mutate often.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most favorable characteristic of retroviruses that makes them useful in gene therapy applications is that the DNA copies of retroviral genomes become integrated into the genome of the infected cell. This allows for stable, long-term expression of the therapeutic gene in the host cell. Retroviruses also possess reverse transcriptase, but this is not the most favorable characteristic for gene therapy. Retroviruses can mutate often, which actually poses a risk for gene therapy applications as it can lead to unintended consequences. The fact that retroviruses have an RNA genome is not as relevant in this context.

What Is the Most Favorable Characteristic of Retroviruses That Makes