Multiple Choice
Which of the following refers to the RNA-to-protein step in the expression of genes?
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15. Gene Expression
Central Dogma
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How do retroviruses violate the central dogma of molecular biology?
A
They use reverse transcriptase to synthesize DNA from an RNA template.
B
They replicate their RNA genome in the nucleus using DNA polymerase.
C
They synthesize RNA from proteins without involving DNA.
D
They translate proteins directly from DNA without using RNA.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the central dogma of molecular biology: It states that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein. This is the typical pathway for gene expression in most organisms.
Learn about retroviruses: Retroviruses are a class of viruses that have RNA as their genetic material instead of DNA. Examples include HIV.
Identify the unique enzyme retroviruses use: Retroviruses possess an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which allows them to synthesize complementary DNA (cDNA) from their RNA template. This process is the reverse of the usual transcription process in cells.
Recognize how retroviruses violate the central dogma: By using reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA, retroviruses reverse the typical flow of genetic information, which contradicts the central dogma.
Clarify the replication process: Once the retrovirus synthesizes DNA from RNA, the DNA integrates into the host cell's genome, where it can be transcribed and translated using the host's cellular machinery to produce viral proteins and replicate the virus.
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