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Multiple Choice
Which of the following characteristics correctly describes retroviruses?
A
They are made up of only a single protein.
B
They can only reproduce by infecting bacteria.
C
They have single-stranded DNA that acts as a template for DNA synthesis.
D
They have single-stranded RNA that acts as a template for DNA synthesis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic structure of retroviruses: Retroviruses are a type of virus that have RNA as their genetic material, not DNA.
Learn about the replication process of retroviruses: Retroviruses use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA into DNA once they infect a host cell.
Clarify the role of reverse transcriptase: This enzyme synthesizes DNA from the single-stranded RNA template, which is a key characteristic of retroviruses.
Differentiate retroviruses from other viruses: Unlike some viruses that have DNA as their genetic material, retroviruses specifically have single-stranded RNA that serves as a template for DNA synthesis.
Identify the correct characteristic: Based on the understanding of retroviruses, the correct description is that they have single-stranded RNA that acts as a template for DNA synthesis.