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Chapter 18: Problem 19

Why is a host-cell tRNA needed for reverse transcription?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A host-cell tRNA is needed for reverse transcription as it acts as a primer. It binds to the viral reverse transcriptase enzyme and the viral RNA genome, guiding the synthesis of a new DNA strand.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding reverse transcription

Reverse transcription is the synthesis of DNA from an RNA template, a process performed by certain viruses, notably Retroviruses. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is an example of such a Retrovirus.
02

Role of Viral Reverse Transcriptase Enzyme

The key initiator of reverse transcription is the viral enzyme, Reverse Transcriptase. This enzyme begins the process by synthesizing a strand of DNA complement to the viral RNA genome.
03

Importance of tRNA

\tRNA from a host cell acts as a primer for reverse transcription. It binds to the Viral Reverse Transcriptase enzyme and the viral RNA genome, specifically aligning itself with a portion of the viral RNA's sequence. Reverse Transcriptase then uses the tRNA and the viral RNA as templates to create a new DNA strand.
04

Ending process

Once the DNA strand is fully formed, the tRNA and the initial RNA template are degraded. Finally, a second DNA strand complementary to the first is synthesized. This results in the formation of a double-stranded DNA molecule, replicating the viral RNA genome.

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