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Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
LTR Retrotransposons03:08

LTR Retrotransposons

LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors01:22

Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
05:46

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors

Published on: April 9, 2014

Retroviral reverse transcriptases.

Alon Herschhorn1, Amnon Hizi

  • 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|April 2, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Reverse transcriptase (RT) enzymes are vital for retroviral replication, converting RNA to DNA. This review details diverse RT properties, focusing on HIV-1 RT as a key drug target.

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Determining 3'-Termini and Sequences of Nascent Single-Stranded Viral DNA Molecules during HIV-1 Reverse Transcription in Infected Cells
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Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
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Published on: April 9, 2014

Determining 3'-Termini and Sequences of Nascent Single-Stranded Viral DNA Molecules during HIV-1 Reverse Transcription in Infected Cells
13:07

Determining 3'-Termini and Sequences of Nascent Single-Stranded Viral DNA Molecules during HIV-1 Reverse Transcription in Infected Cells

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Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
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Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Published on: May 9, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Reverse transcription is essential for retroviruses and retrotransposons.
  • Retroviral reverse transcriptase (RT) synthesizes double-stranded DNA from viral RNA.
  • Diverse RTs exhibit variations in structure, subunit composition, and catalytic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental properties of various retroviral reverse transcriptases (RTs).
  • To highlight the significance of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) RT in antiretroviral drug development.
  • To provide insights into RT structures, enzymatic activities, and interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of retroviral reverse transcriptase (RT) properties.
  • Comparative analysis of different RT structures and functions.
  • Examination of RT interactions with viral and host proteins.

Main Results:

  • RTs share catalytic functions but differ significantly in structure and properties.
  • HIV-1 RT is a critical target for antiretroviral therapies against AIDS.
  • Understanding RT inhibition and drug resistance is crucial for treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Diverse retroviral reverse transcriptases (RTs) play crucial roles in retrovirology.
  • HIV-1 RT remains a central focus for therapeutic strategies against HIV-1/AIDS.
  • Further research into RTs informs drug development and treatment efficacy.