Question

The process of formation of DNA from RNA is known as
A. Reverse transcription
B. Translation
C. Thigmotropism
D. Teminism

Answer 1

Hint: All living organisms possess their genetic material. The genetic material is of two types, and that is DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid and RNA or ribonucleic acid. The RNA was considered the first genetic material instead of DNA because RNA has lower mutation rates as compared to DNA. It is capable of storing genetic information and also catalyzes chemical reactions.

Complete answer:
The reverse transcription technique is described as the process used to generate a complementary strand of DNA (cDNA) from RNA. This technology is based on a mechanism in which the enzyme reverse transcriptase can reverse-transcribed RNA into DNA.
This process is found in retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this mechanism, a reverse transcriptase enzyme is required. This enzyme is known as RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. This enzyme is described as a DNA polymerase enzyme that is used to transcribe single-stranded RNA into double-stranded DNA.
When the RNA retrovirus enters a host cell, its genetic RNA will be transcribed into a double-stranded DNA. This genomic DNA is then integrated into the host DNA.
Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Transcription and reverse transcription are two different techniques. In transcription, a segment of DNA is copied into mRNA. On the contrary, in reverse transcription, cDNA is synthesized from the RNA template. Moreover, transcription involves the RNA polymerase enzyme, whereas reverse transcription involves a reverse transcriptase enzyme.
The RNA was considered the first genetic material instead of DNA because RNA has lower mutation rates as compared to DNA. It is capable of storing genetic information and also catalyzes chemical reactions. The essential life processes evolved from the RNA.