Question

Which of the following characteristics is related to reverse transcriptase?
(A) Disintegrates hot DNA
(B) Polymerizes host DNA
(C) Translates host DNA
(D) Transcribes viral RNA to cDNA

Answer 1

Hint:Reverse transcriptase is the type of enzyme which generates complementary DNA from the pattern of single stranded RNA. The DNA thus formed is called complementary DNA and the process is called the reverse transcription.

Complete answer:
The reverse transcription is the process in which the RNA nucleotide is converted into the complementary DNA with the help of the reverse transcriptase enzyme. This enzyme is also known as RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. This enzyme has the ability to produce DNA of double helix structure, once the RNA is reverse transcribed from its single stranded structure. This enzyme is present in the retrovirus. Thus, the genome of the retrovirus is incorporated into the genome of the host organisms like the complementary DNA by this enzyme.

Hence the characteristics of reverse transcriptase is that it transcribes viral RNA into cDNA. These proteins are used by the microorganisms like hepatitis- B virus, HIV etc. for the purpose of replication of their genomes within the host. These microorganisms use it to copy their replicates genomes and spread them as the new virus in the host organisms. This enzyme has the right-hand structure like that of the viral nucleic acid polymerase.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note:Reverse transcriptase enzyme is used in the fields like microbiology and biochemistry in the production of antiviral drugs and medicines. It is used in the production of the insulin which is used as the medicine for the treatment of diabetes.