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Multiple Choice
What is unique about retroviruses in the context of organic chemistry?
A
They contain a double-stranded DNA genome.
B
They have the ability to reverse transcribe their RNA into DNA.
C
They are capable of photosynthesis.
D
They replicate using a lytic cycle.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Retroviruses are a type of virus that have RNA as their genetic material, which is unique compared to many other organisms that have DNA.
The key feature of retroviruses is their ability to reverse transcribe their RNA genome into DNA once they infect a host cell.
This process is facilitated by an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which is encoded by the retrovirus itself.
Once the RNA is reverse transcribed into DNA, this DNA is integrated into the host cell's genome, allowing the virus to replicate as the host cell divides.
This ability to reverse transcribe RNA into DNA is what distinguishes retroviruses in the context of organic chemistry and molecular biology.