Reverse transcriptase is central to retroviral replication, transcribing RNA into DNA for integration into host genomes. This enzyme's function is exploited in RT-PCR for detecting RNA viruses like HIV and COVID-19. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) and Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs) are key in HIV therapy, reducing viral load and improving patient outcomes. Understanding reverse transcriptase is crucial for drug development and studying its role in cellular biology.
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Reverse transcriptase is a crucial enzyme in retroviral biology, facilitating the replication process by transcribing viral RNA into DNA
Base pairing and DNA synthesis
Reverse transcriptase synthesizes a complementary DNA strand by following the rules of base pairing, where nucleotides on the RNA template are matched with complementary DNA nucleotides
Degradation of RNA template and formation of double-stranded DNA
After the first DNA strand is synthesized, the original RNA template is degraded, and a second DNA strand is created to form a double-stranded DNA molecule that can integrate into the host's genome
Reverse transcriptase plays a crucial role in the retroviral life cycle by facilitating the integration of viral genetic material into the host cell's genome
RT-PCR is a laboratory technique that combines the reverse transcription of RNA into DNA with PCR amplification, enabling the quantification of specific RNA molecules and the detection of RNA-based pathogens
Reverse transcription
RT-PCR starts with the creation of cDNA from an RNA template via reverse transcriptase
PCR amplification
Subsequently, the cDNA is amplified through PCR, which involves cycles of heating, cooling, and extending primers to form new strands of DNA
RT-PCR has been transformative in molecular biology, enabling disease diagnosis and research through the detection of RNA-based pathogens
NRTIs are analogs of natural nucleosides that prevent further DNA chain elongation by incorporating into viral DNA and inhibiting the 3' hydroxyl group
NRTIs are a cornerstone of antiretroviral therapy used to combat HIV infection and are often used in combination with other drugs to enhance efficacy and improve clinical outcomes
The use of NRTIs, particularly in combination therapies, has been instrumental in reducing HIV-related morbidity and mortality by suppressing viral replication and preventing the development of resistance
00
During replication, reverse transcriptase binds to viral RNA and a host ______ molecule, which is used as a primer.
tRNA
01
RT-PCR cDNA creation process
RT-PCR starts by making cDNA from RNA using reverse transcriptase.
02
RT-PCR amplification cycles
Involves denaturation, annealing, and extension to amplify cDNA.
