AZT-resistant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase: Difference between revisions
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==Role of Reverse Transcriptase in HIV Replication== | ==Role of Reverse Transcriptase in HIV Replication== | ||
[[Reverse transcriptase]] has two enzymatic activities: [[DNA | [[Reverse transcriptase]] has two enzymatic activities: [[DNA]] polymerase and RNase H. [[DNA]] polymerase is capable of copying either a [[DNA]] or an RNA template, while RNase H cleaves RNA that is part of the RNA/[[DNA]] duplex. These functions work together to create double-stranded linear [[DNA]] from RNA, which can then be incorporated into the host genome. | ||
The viral RNA serves as the template for [[DNA]] polymerase, although a host tRNA primer initiates the synthesis. The primer allows [[reverse transcriptase]] to form the minus strand by copying the 5' end of the RNA. An RNA/[[DNA]] duplex is then formed from the synthesis of the minus strand and this duplex is the substrate for RNase H. RNase H degrades the RNA strand, leaving the newly formed minus strand of [[DNA]]. As [[DNA]] polymerase continues to create [[DNA]], RNase H degrades the RNA. This process continues and the plus strand of [[DNA]] is created, forming a double-stranded linear [[DNA]] molecule. | |||
Without [[reverse transcriptase]], [[HIV]] would be incapable of incorporating itself into the host genome. Without this ability, it would be much easier for the host's immune system to destroy the virus, thus making it less harmful. Reverse transcriptase not only plays an important role in HIV replication, but also in the overall effectiveness of the virus. | |||
{{STRUCTURE_3klg | PDB=3klg | SCENE= }} | {{STRUCTURE_3klg | PDB=3klg | SCENE= }} | ||
