Which term describes viruses that store their genetic material as RNA and use reverse transcription?

Which term describes viruses that store their genetic material as RNA and use reverse transcription?

• A. Endovirus
• B. Orthovirus
• C. Retrovirus
• D. DNA virus

Answer: (C)

RNA genomes that carry reverse transcriptase and convert their RNA into DNA to insert into the host genome are described by the term retrovirus. The defining step is reverse transcription: the viral RNA is used as a template to synthesize complementary DNA, which then integrates into the host DNA and directs production of new viral components using the cell’s own machinery. This integration allows for persistent or latent infection and explains why these viruses behave differently from purely DNA-based viruses. HIV is a classic example of a retrovirus. In contrast, a virus with a DNA genome uses DNA replication machinery and does not rely on reverse transcription, so the description of storing genetic material as RNA and performing reverse transcription doesn’t fit. The other terms aren’t standard descriptors for this replication strategy and don’t capture the RNA genome plus reverse transcription combination.

RNA genomes that carry reverse transcriptase and convert their RNA into DNA to insert into the host genome are described by the term retrovirus. The defining step is reverse transcription: the viral RNA is used as a template to synthesize complementary DNA, which then integrates into the host DNA and directs production of new viral components using the cell’s own machinery. This integration allows for persistent or latent infection and explains why these viruses behave differently from purely DNA-based viruses. HIV is a classic example of a retrovirus.

In contrast, a virus with a DNA genome uses DNA replication machinery and does not rely on reverse transcription, so the description of storing genetic material as RNA and performing reverse transcription doesn’t fit. The other terms aren’t standard descriptors for this replication strategy and don’t capture the RNA genome plus reverse transcription combination.