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Related Concept Videos

Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

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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...
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Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

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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...
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Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

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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...
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Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

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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’...
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Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

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A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
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LTR Retrotransposons03:08

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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.
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Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
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Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors

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The Discovery of Reverse Transcriptase.

John M Coffin1, Hung Fan2

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111;

Annual Review of Virology
|August 3, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The discovery of reverse transcriptase by Baltimore and Temin revolutionized molecular biology. This enzyme

Keywords:
David BaltimoreHIVHoward TeminRNA tumor virusRous sarcoma virusmurine leukemia virusretrovirus

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • The provirus hypothesis proposed that RNA tumor viruses replicate through a DNA intermediate.
  • This hypothesis was controversial in the 1960s and 1970s.

Observation:

  • Howard Temin discovered reverse transcriptase in Rous sarcoma virus virions, proving his provirus hypothesis.
  • David Baltimore independently discovered reverse transcriptase while studying RNA-containing viruses.

Findings:

  • Reverse transcriptase enables RNA viruses to synthesize DNA, a key step in retrovirus replication.
  • The discovery provided a crucial tool for molecular cloning and understanding viral mechanisms.

Implications:

  • Laid the foundation for retrovirology and cancer biology research.
  • Led to the discovery of oncogenes and the search for human cancer viruses.
  • Advanced the understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS.