Question

What is reverse transcription ? Explain how single stranded RNA of viruses give rise to double stranded DNA.

Answer 1

Reverse transcription is the process of synthesis of DNA from RNA using the enzyme Reverse transcriptase. In viruses (such as Retrovirus) RNA is used as template for the synthesis of a single stranded DNA known as the complementary DNA (or cDNA) using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. The enzyme DNA polymerase then helps in the synthesis of a double stranded DNA using the cDNA template.