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Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

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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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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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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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LTR Retrotransposons03:08

LTR Retrotransposons

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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.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
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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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Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

Non-LTR Retrotransposons

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As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 11, 2025

Determining 3'-Termini and Sequences of Nascent Single-Stranded Viral DNA Molecules during HIV-1 Reverse Transcription in Infected Cells
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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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Retroviral reverse transcriptase: Structure, function and inhibition.

Nicolas Sluis-Cremer1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.

The Enzymes
|December 4, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study details the structure and function of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase (RT). It explores how HIV RT inhibitors work to block viral replication, offering insights into antiviral drug mechanisms.

Keywords:
Human immunodeficiency virusNonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitorsNucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitorsReverse transcriptase

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Nucleocapsid Annealing-Mediated Electrophoresis NAME Assay Allows the Rapid Identification of HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Inhibitors
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Nucleocapsid Annealing-Mediated Electrophoresis NAME Assay Allows the Rapid Identification of HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Inhibitors
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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Reverse transcriptase (RT) is crucial for retroviral replication, including HIV.
  • RT possesses DNA polymerase and ribonuclease H activities essential for converting RNA to DNA.
  • Antiviral therapies targeting HIV RT are a cornerstone of HIV/AIDS management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the three-dimensional structure of HIV RT.
  • To detail the biochemical mechanisms of DNA polymerization and RNase H activity.
  • To explain how RT inhibitors function to block reverse transcription.

Main Methods:

  • Structural analysis of HIV RT.
  • Biochemical assays to study enzyme activity.
  • Mechanistic studies of RT inhibitor action.

Main Results:

  • Detailed insights into the structural features of HIV RT.
  • Characterization of the biochemical mechanisms underlying DNA polymerization and RNase H functions.
  • Understanding of how nucleoside/nucleotide and nonnucleoside inhibitors impede RT activity.

Conclusions:

  • HIV RT is a key target for antiviral drug development.
  • Understanding RT structure and function informs the design of effective HIV therapies.
  • RT inhibitors represent critical therapeutic agents in combating HIV infection.