AZT-resistant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

Role of Reverse Transcriptase in HIV ReplicationRole of Reverse Transcriptase in HIV Replication

Reverse Transcriptase (RT) allows HIV to create DNA from its RNA. RT has two enzymatic activities: DNA polymerase and RNase H. DNA polymerase is necessary for copying a DNA or RNA template, while RNase H cleaves the RNA that is part of the DNA/RNA duplex. These two activities combine to convert RNA into linear, double-stranded DNA. This DNA is then incorporated in the host's genome.