Information about Retrovirus
A retrovirus is a virus which has a genome consisting of RNA. It relies on reverse transcriptase to perform a kind of reverse transcription of its genome from RNA into DNA for insertion by integrase into the host's genome. The virus itself is just a storage form for its RNA; the reverse transcription takes place in the host's cytosol. A retrovirus' genome integrated into the host's genome is called a provirus. The retrovirus genome contains at least three genes: * gag codes for core and structural proteins of the virus. * pol codes for reverse transcriptase. * env codes for the virus hull proteins. There are three known retrovirus categories : * Oncovirinae cause sarcomas and leukaemias (e.g., Rous Sarcoma Virus). They contain an onc gene which makes them oncogenic. * Lentivirinae cause slow progressive degenerative disorders (e.g., HIV). * Spumavirinae with unknown effects. All four identified human retroviruses (HTLV 1&2, HIV 1&2) attack CD4 cells. Another feature common to all retrovirises is a lipid envelope surrounding their capsid. It is essential for their function. This explains why retroviruses can be killed by just washing hands.
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