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Ch.17 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis
Timberlake - Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry 14th Edition
Timberlake14thChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9781292472249Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTimberlake 14thCh.17 Nucleic Acids and Protein SynthesisProblem 79b
Chapter 17, Problem 79b

A specific virus contains RNA as its genetic material.
b. What is the name of the type of virus that uses reverse transcription?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: The problem mentions a virus containing RNA as its genetic material. This is a key characteristic of certain types of viruses, particularly retroviruses.
Recall the concept of reverse transcription: Reverse transcription is a process where RNA is converted into DNA, which is the reverse of the usual transcription process in cells. This process is facilitated by an enzyme called reverse transcriptase.
Identify the type of virus: Viruses that use reverse transcription are called retroviruses. Retroviruses have RNA genomes and rely on reverse transcriptase to integrate their genetic material into the host's DNA.
Connect the information: Since the problem asks for the name of the type of virus that uses reverse transcription, the answer is retrovirus, based on the definition and characteristics provided.
Review examples: Common examples of retroviruses include HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which uses reverse transcription as part of its replication cycle.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

RNA Viruses

RNA viruses are a class of viruses that have ribonucleic acid (RNA) as their genetic material. Unlike DNA viruses, RNA viruses can replicate their genetic material directly in the host cell's cytoplasm. This characteristic allows them to evolve rapidly, which is a significant factor in their ability to adapt and cause diseases.
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Types of RNA Concept 1

Reverse Transcription

Reverse transcription is a process by which RNA is converted into DNA. This is a key step for certain viruses, particularly retroviruses, which utilize this mechanism to integrate their genetic material into the host's genome. The enzyme reverse transcriptase facilitates this conversion, allowing the virus to replicate within the host.
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Transcription: mRNA Synthesis Concept 1

Retroviruses

Retroviruses are a specific type of RNA virus that use reverse transcription to replicate. They are characterized by their ability to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which can then integrate into the host's DNA. The most well-known retrovirus is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is responsible for AIDS.
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A point mutation in the mRNA for an enzyme results in the replacement of leucine with alanine in the resulting enzyme molecule. Why does this change in amino acids have little effect on the biological activity of the enzyme?

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Textbook Question

A specific virus contains RNA as its genetic material.

a. Why might reverse transcription be used in the life cycle of this type of virus?

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How do protease inhibitors disrupt the life cycle of the HIV virus?

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