Retrovirus Examples

Examples of DNA viruses are the herpes simplex virus and the poxvirus. Retroviruses use their RNA and a special enzyme called reverse transcriptase to create DNA, which then specifies RNA, which in turn creates proteins.

A retrovirus is any virus which copies itself as part of the cell's DNA by reverse transcribing its RNA. Since the cell cannot proofread the step in which RNA is converted back to DNA, errors often go unnoticed. This makes the exact sequence of a retrovirus's RNA change often. This makes it harder for retroviruses to be attacked by drugs.

Punchline. HIV is a retrovirus, which makes it very difficult to overcome using drugs.

Other pages[changechange source]

Other websites[changechange source]

• Retrovirology Scientific journal