Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription?
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1. Introduction to Biochemistry
Nucleic Acids
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Because it synthesizes DNA from RNA using reverse transcription, HIV is described as a(n):
A
viroid
B
prion
C
retrovirus
D
bacteriophage
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the key terms in the problem: HIV synthesizes DNA from RNA using reverse transcription. This is a defining characteristic of certain types of viruses.
Learn the definition of a retrovirus: A retrovirus is a type of virus that uses the enzyme reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genome into DNA, which is then integrated into the host cell's genome.
Compare the characteristics of other options: Viroids are small, circular RNA molecules that infect plants and lack a protein coat. Prions are misfolded proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and do not use reverse transcription.
Identify the correct classification: Based on the mechanism of reverse transcription, HIV fits the definition of a retrovirus.
Conclude that HIV is described as a retrovirus because it uses reverse transcription to synthesize DNA from RNA.
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