Synthesis of DNA from an RNA template by reverse transcriptase, used by retroviruses and retrotransposons.
Reverse transcriptase makes DNA from an RNA template and has RNase H activity. Retroviruses like HIV integrate the DNA using integrase. It also operates in retrotransposons and telomerase.
It lacks proofreading, so retroviruses mutate rapidly.
Synthesis of DNA from an RNA template by reverse transcriptase, used by retroviruses and retrotransposons.
Reverse Transcription is one of the 52 topics in Molecular Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Central Dogma, Telomerase, Homologous Recombination.
RT-PCR uses reverse transcriptase to turn RNA into cDNA, as in COVID-19 tests.
Work through the Beginner topics in Molecular Biology first, such as Central Dogma, DNA Replication, Base Pairing, then return to Reverse Transcription. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Reverse Transcription are Central Dogma, Telomerase, Homologous Recombination, Transcription. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Reverse Transcription. To practise the whole of Molecular Biology, use the Molecular Biology quiz.
Reverse Transcription: Synthesis of DNA from an RNA template by reverse transcriptase, used by retroviruses and retrotransposons. Central Dogma: The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Central Dogma and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.
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