How does reverse transcriptase work in HIV?
An enzyme found in HIV (and other retroviruses). HIV uses reverse transcriptase (RT) to convert its RNA into viral DNA, a process called reverse transcription. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) prevent HIV from replicating by blocking RT.
What is the mechanism of reverse transcriptase?
Reverse transcriptase (RT), also known as RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, is a DNA polymerase enzyme that transcribes single-stranded RNA into DNA. This enzyme is able to synthesize a double helix DNA once the RNA has been reverse transcribed in a first step into a single-strand DNA.
What is the structure of HIV virus?
The viral envelope is composed of a lipid bi-layer and, in mature virus particles, the envelope proteins SU and TM. It covers the symmetrical outer capsid membrane which is formed by the matrix protein (MA, p17). The conical capsid is assembled from the inner capsid protein p24 (CA) [26].
Where does HIV reverse transcriptase occur?
In orthoretroviruses, including HIV-1, reverse transcription takes place in newly infected cells. There is some debate in the literature about whether reverse transcription is initiated in producer cells.
What enzyme is used in reverse transcription?
reverse transcriptase enzyme
Reverse transcription (RT) is the synthesis of complementary deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) from single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) templates. This process is catalyzed by the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is the replicating enzyme of retroviruses.
How is a virus structure?
Viral Structure. In the simpler viruses the virion consists of a single molecule of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat, the capsid; the capsid and its enclosed nucleic acid together constitute the nucleocapsid. In some of the more complex viruses the capsid surrounds a protein core (Fig.
Which enzyme is responsible for reverse transcription?
Reverse transcriptase enzyme
(B) Reverse transcriptase enzyme is responsible for reverse transcription process which cDNA ( complementary DNA) is made from a RNA template.
What is viral reverse transcriptase?
RTs are enzymes that are able to synthesize DNA using RNA or DNA as templates (DNA polymerase activity), and degrade RNA when forming RNA/DNA hybrids (ribonuclease H activity).
What are the 4 structures of viruses?
All viruses contain nucleic acid, either DNA or RNA (but not both), and a protein coat, which encases the nucleic acid. Some viruses are also enclosed by an envelope of fat and protein molecules. In its infective form, outside the cell, a virus particle is called a virion.
Why do retroviruses need reverse transcriptase?
Retroviruses use reverse transcriptase to transform their single-stranded RNA into double-stranded DNA. DNA molecules store the genetic information of human cells and cells from other life forms. Once transformed from RNA to DNA, the viral DNA is integrated into the genome of the infected cells.
What is the basic structure of virus?
Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and consist of a single- or double-stranded nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein shell called a capsid; some viruses also have an outer envelope composed of lipids and proteins. They vary in shape.
What are the three types of viral structure?
Structure of Viruses
- Helical Viruses. Helical capsids are made up of a single type of protein subunit stacked around a central axis to form a helical structure.
- Icosahedral Viruses.
- Complex Viruses.
What is the main structure of viruses?
Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and consist of a single- or double-stranded nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein shell called a capsid; some viruses also have an outer envelope composed of lipids and proteins. They vary in shape. The two main classes are RNA viruses and DNA viruses.