Okay, everyone. A retrovirus has what characteristics? Okay. Let's have a look at our answers. Answer choice a says a retrovirus is a DNA virus. It is not a DNA virus. It's actually a single stranded RNA virus. So this is not true. Answer choice b says a retrovirus integrates viral DNA into the host chromosome. It most certainly does. But you may be thinking she just told me that it's an RNA virus. How is it integrating viral DNA into the host chromosome? That's what's really special about retroviruses. They have the ability to turn their RNA viral genome into viral DNA through a process called reverse AnswerChoice c says a retrovirus requires the viral protein replicates to replicate its genome. It does require a viral protein, but it's not gonna be replicates. Remember, it's just reverse transcriptase, which changes that RNA into DNA. And all of the above are not correct. The correct answer here is answer choice b. Okay, everyone. Let's move on to our next video.

Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

Animal Viruses: Reverse-Transcribing Virus Synthesis & Replication

Microbiology

18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

Animal Viruses: Reverse-Transcribing Virus Synthesis & Replication

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Multiple Choice

A retrovirus _____.

Is a DNA virus.

Integrates viral DNA into the host chromosome.

Requires the viral protein replicase to replicate its genome.

All of the above.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand what a retrovirus is: Retroviruses are a type of virus that have RNA as their genetic material. They are unique because they use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA into DNA after infecting a host cell.

Identify the key characteristic of retroviruses: One of the defining features of retroviruses is their ability to integrate their viral DNA into the host cell's chromosome. This integration is facilitated by the enzyme integrase, which is encoded by the virus.

Evaluate the given options: The first option states that a retrovirus is a DNA virus, which is incorrect because retroviruses are RNA viruses that convert their RNA into DNA. The second option correctly describes the integration of viral DNA into the host chromosome, which is a hallmark of retroviral infection.

Consider the role of viral proteins: The third option mentions the viral protein replicase, which is not typically associated with retroviruses. Retroviruses use reverse transcriptase, not replicase, to replicate their genome.

Determine the correct answer: Based on the understanding of retroviruses, the correct answer is the option that states 'Integrates viral DNA into the host chromosome,' as this is a key process in the retroviral life cycle.