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Chapter 18: Problem 20

Explain the role of RNase \(\mathrm{H}\) (a component of reverse transcriptase) during the synthesis of HIV DNA.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In the synthesis of HIV DNA, RNase H (a component of reverse transcriptase) plays a crucial role by degrading the original RNA strand after a complementary DNA (cDNA) strand has been synthesized. This leaves the cDNA free to help synthesize a second DNA strand, ultimately creating a double-stranded DNA molecule that can be incorporated into the host cell's genome.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding The Context

HIV is a retrovirus that replicates by reverse transcription. This process involves the conversion of the virus's RNA genome into DNA by the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase. RNase H is one component of this enzyme.
02

Role of Reverse Transcriptase in HIV Replication

The reverse transcriptase enzyme starts the HIV replication process by binding to the viral RNA and synthesizing a complementary DNA (cDNA) strand. This creates an RNA/DNA hybrid molecule.
03

Role of RNase H in HIV Replication

The RNase H domain of the reverse transcriptase has the ability to degrade the RNA strand in RNA/DNA hybrids. Thus, its main role during HIV DNA synthesis is to degrade the virus's original RNA molecule after the cDNA strand has been synthesized.
04

Final stage of HIV Replication

Once the RNA strand has been degraded by RNase H, the reverse transcriptase synthesizes a second cDNA strand complementary to the first one. This creates a double-stranded DNA molecule that can be integrated into the host cell's genome, where it forms a permanent part of the cell鈥檚 DNA.

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