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Multiple Choice
What enzyme allows a retrovirus to synthesize DNA from an RNA template?
A
RNA polymerase
B
Ligase
C
DNA polymerase
D
Reverse transcriptase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes in nucleic acid synthesis. Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate the conversion of substrates into products. In the context of nucleic acid synthesis, different enzymes are responsible for synthesizing DNA and RNA.
Identify the unique characteristic of retroviruses. Retroviruses are a class of viruses that have RNA as their genetic material. They have the ability to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which is then integrated into the host cell's genome.
Learn about reverse transcription. Reverse transcription is the process by which RNA is converted into DNA. This is contrary to the usual transcription process where DNA is transcribed into RNA.
Recognize the enzyme responsible for reverse transcription. Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of DNA from an RNA template. It is a key enzyme in the life cycle of retroviruses.
Differentiate reverse transcriptase from other enzymes. RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from a DNA template, ligase joins DNA fragments, and DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA from a DNA template. Reverse transcriptase is unique in its ability to synthesize DNA from an RNA template.