HIV, the causative agent of AIDS, is a retrovirus. A retrovirus ________.
A) uses DNA as a template in the process of translation
B) makes proteins directly from RNA
C) uses reverse transcriptase to make DNA from RNA
D) is a cellular virus that uses ribosomes to reproduce inside a living cell

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that use reverse transcriptase enzyme to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which can be inserted into the host cell's genome using integrase enzyme. The integrated viral DNA is called a provirus and can remain in the host cell for a long time, causing chronic infection. HIV is a retrovirus that infects immune cells called CD4+ T cells and macrophages, leading to the depletion of these cells and the impairment of the immune system. Treatment of HIV involves the use of antiretroviral drugs that target different stages of the retroviral life cycle.

HIV, the Causative Agent of AIDS, Is a Retrovirus