Question

HIV enters the host but is unable to convert its genetic material to DNA, what is most probably missing inside the virus?

• A. RNA polymerase
• B. DNA polymerase
• C. DNA ligase
• D. Reverse transcriptase

Answer 1

The correct option is D Reverse transcriptase

HIV is a retrovirus, therefore, its genetic material is RNA.

After entering into the body of the host, the retrovirus enters the macrophages. In the macrophages, the virus converts its genetic material (RNA) into DNA with the help of the enzyme, reverse transcriptase, using a process called reverse transcription. This DNA, then, integrates itself in the host's genome and signals the host's cells to produce many copies of the virus.

Therefore, the necessary enzyme to convert RNA to DNA is reverse transcriptase.
Reverse trancriptase is RNA dependent. DNA polymerase enzymes are a wide variety of enzymes which are mostly DNA dependent. So, the most appropriate and specific answer to this question is reverse transcriptase.