Question

The genome of HIV replicates in the macrophages with the help of an enzyme called:

• A. DNA Polymerase
• B. RNA Polymerase
• C. Reverse Transcriptase
• D. DNA Ligase

Hint:

Targeting enzymes like reverse transcriptase is central to HIV therapy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

HIV replicates in macrophages using Reverse Transcriptase.

(A) DNA Polymerase - Incorrect: Host enzyme not used for viral RNA→DNA conversion.

(B) RNA Polymerase - Incorrect: Host enzyme for transcription, not viral replication.

(C) Reverse Transcriptase - Correct: Retroviral enzyme that synthesizes DNA from RNA template.

(D) DNA Ligase - Incorrect: Joins DNA fragments, not involved in HIV replication.

The correct answer is (C) Reverse Transcriptase, the key enzyme for HIV's reverse transcription.

Answer 2

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus, meaning it has an RNA genome. To replicate, the virus uses reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that converts its RNA into DNA, which can then integrate into the host cell's DNA. Reverse transcriptase allows the virus to replicate within the host cell, leading to the production of new viral particles.

Option (C) is correct because reverse transcriptase is essential for the replication of the HIV genome.