Summary
Synthesis of DNA from an RNA template by reverse transcriptase, used by retroviruses and retrotransposons.
In depth
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.
Howard Temin and David Baltimore discovered reverse transcriptase in 1970 (Nobel Prize 1975), challenging the belief that information flows one way. The enzyme lacks proofreading, so retroviruses mutate quickly, which complicates vaccines and treatment. HIV drugs include nucleoside analogues such as zidovudine (AZT), which stop chain growth, and non-nucleoside inhibitors.
Reverse transcriptase is used in the lab to make cDNA from mRNA, giving intron-free copies of genes for cloning and for RT-PCR, including COVID-19 tests. Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase, and retrotransposons use it to spread through genomes.
Example: about 8 percent of the human genome derives from endogenous retroviruses, remnants of ancient infections.
Frequently asked questions
What is Reverse Transcription?
Synthesis of DNA from an RNA template by reverse transcriptase, used by retroviruses and retrotransposons.
Which area of biology covers Reverse Transcription, and how advanced is it?
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 Telomerase, Homologous Recombination, CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism.
Can you give an example of Reverse Transcription?
RT-PCR uses reverse transcriptase to turn RNA into cDNA, as in COVID-19 tests.
What should I learn before Reverse Transcription?
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.
What topics are related to Reverse Transcription?
The closest topics to Reverse Transcription are Telomerase, Homologous Recombination, CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism, Splicing. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Reverse Transcription?
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.
How is Reverse Transcription different from Telomerase?
Reverse Transcription: Synthesis of DNA from an RNA template by reverse transcriptase, used by retroviruses and retrotransposons. Telomerase: A ribonucleoprotein enzyme that extends telomeres in stem and cancer cells using an RNA template. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Reverse Transcription step by step?
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 Telomerase and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.