Reverse transcriptase

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Diagram illustrating the process of retrovirus infection and reverse transcription, showing a retrovirus entering a host cell, releasing viral RNA, reverse transcriptase converting RNA to DNA, integration into the host genome, transcription of new viral RNA, assembly of new virions, and budding from the cell.

Diagram showing how acutely and slowly transforming retroviruses can cause cancer by infecting normal cells, integrating viral genes, and triggering neoplastic transformation into cancer cells.

At a Glance

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reverse transcriptase summary

Reverse transcriptase: Media

enzyme

Images

Diagram illustrating the process of retrovirus infection and reverse transcription, showing a retrovirus entering a host cell, releasing viral RNA, reverse transcriptase converting RNA to DNA, integration into the host genome, transcription of new viral RNA, assembly of new virions, and budding from the cell.

The process of retroviral infection and reverse transcription

After a retrovirus infects a cell, an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase converts...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Diagram showing how acutely and slowly transforming retroviruses can cause cancer by infecting normal cells, integrating viral genes, and triggering neoplastic transformation into cancer cells.

Cancer-causing retroviruses

Retroviral insertion can convert a proto-oncogene, integral to the control of cell...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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