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Multiple Choice
Reverse transcriptase is a(n) ______ polymerase.
A
DNA-dependent RNA
B
DNA-dependent DNA
C
RNA-dependent RNA
D
RNA-dependent DNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of reverse transcriptase: Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that synthesizes DNA from an RNA template. This process is crucial in retroviruses, where the viral RNA genome is converted into DNA for integration into the host genome.
Identify the type of polymerase: Polymerases are enzymes that synthesize nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) based on a template. The type of polymerase is determined by the template it uses and the product it synthesizes.
Analyze the options: Each option describes a specific type of polymerase. For example, 'DNA-dependent RNA polymerase' synthesizes RNA using a DNA template, while 'RNA-dependent DNA polymerase' synthesizes DNA using an RNA template.
Match the enzyme's function to the correct description: Reverse transcriptase uses RNA as a template to synthesize DNA, which aligns with the description 'RNA-dependent DNA polymerase.'
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the enzyme's function and the definitions of the options, reverse transcriptase is classified as an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase.