Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation/Question

AP Biologyeasymcq1 pt

What does reverse transcriptase do during the replication cycle of a retrovirus such as HIV?

A.It translates viral RNA directly into a viral protein

B.It joins amino acids into a viral capsid.

C.It synthesizes DNA using viral RNA as a template.

D.It converts host DNA directly into usable cellular ATP

Explanation

Core Concept

Reverse transcriptase is an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase: it makes a DNA copy from the retroviral RNA template. Calling this process a 'violation' of the central dogma is technically misleading; it is a known nucleic-acid information-transfer pathway.

Correct Answer

CIt synthesizes DNA using viral RNA as a template.

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