Reverse Transcription of Retroviral Genomic RNA

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the process of reverse transcription in retroviruses.

Reverse Transcription

The process by which retroviral RNA is converted into DNA.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, involved in the reverse transcription process by carrying the viral genome into the host cell.

RNase

An enzyme that degrades RNA, but cannot degrade the polypurine tract (ppt) during retroviral replication.

PBS (Primer Binding Site)

A site on the RNA where a primer binds to initiate reverse transcription.

ppt (Polypurine Tract)

A region that remains bound during reverse transcription, critical for second strand DNA synthesis.

LTR (Long Terminal Repeat)

Regions at both ends of the retroviral genome that are involved in integration and transcription of the viral DNA.

RNA into cell

The first step in retroviral infection, where the viral RNA is introduced into the host cell.

DNA Synthesis

The process of creating a complementary DNA strand from the viral RNA template during reverse transcription.

Annealing

The process of complementary strands pairing during DNA synthesis.

Cytoplasmic

Refers to the location within the cell where reverse transcription occurs.