AZT-resistant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

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

Reverse transcriptase allows Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to create DNA from its RNA. The creation of DNA allows HIV to incorporate its genetic information into the genome of the host cell. Reverse transcriptase 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. The DNA created by reverse transcriptase can then be copied by host polymerase in order to make more copies of the viral genome.

Structure of Reverse TranscriptaseStructure of Reverse Transcriptase

Reverse transcriptase is a heterodimer of two related subunits: p66 and p51.