Why is HIV called a retrovirus?
A) because it is very old
B) because it makes DNA from proteins
C) because it transcribes DNA into RNA
D) because it transcribes RNA into DNA
E) because it translates proteins into RNA

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

HIV is called a retrovirus because it uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to transcribe its RNA genome into DNA. This DNA can then be integrated into the host cell's genome, allowing for the virus to replicate itself using the host cell's machinery. This reverse transcription step is unique to retroviruses and gives them their name.

Why Is HIV Called a Retrovirus