A member of a group of RNA viruses, the RNA of which is copied during viral replication into DNA by reverse transcriptase. The viral DNA is then able to be integrated into the host chromosomal DNA.
A virus that has the ability to take over certain cells and interrupt their normal genetic function. Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV), the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is one type of retrovirus.
A type of virus that has RNA (ribonucleic acid) as its genetic material and that uses an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) to produce DNA from the RNA. The viral DNA thus produced is then incorporated into the DNA of the host cell. HIV is an example of a retrovirus.
One of a family of viruses that contain RNA and reverse transcriptase.
A family of viruses that contains RNA (ribonucleic acid) and reverse transcriptase; some retroviruses are oncogenic and can induce tumors.
A class of virus having the ability to transform their own genetic material into DNA, thus incorporation themselves into the genetic structure of an infected cell.
A virus whose genetic material contains RNA from which DNA is synthesised.
Type of virus that, when not infecting a cell, stores its genetic information on a single-stranded RNA molecule instead of the more usual double-stranded DNA (e.g., HIV). After a retrovirus penetrates a cell, it constructs a DNA version of its genes using a special enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This DNA then becomes part of the cell’s genetic material.
A virus that attacks certain white (T-lymphocyte) blood cells. The AIDS virus is a retrovirus.
An infectious particle that consists of RNA (ribonucleic acid) genetic material, instead of DNA. Retroviruses contain proteins, which can attach to cell membranes and allow the retrovirus to enter and infect the cell. The virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a retrovirus, as is the virus that causes T-cell leukemia.
A type of virus with certain unique genetic properties, specifically the ability to “reverse copy” its genome into a host cell’s chromosome. The best known of this class of virus is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). (The family of viruses was named “retro” because they contain an enzyme called “reverse transcriptase.”)
A virus containing ribonucleic acid (RNA) which is able to change its genetic material into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This conversion enables the retrovirus to become integrated into the host cell’s DNA. Retroviruses are believed to be involved in the development of some cancers; they are also associated with disorders linked with an impaired immune system. HIV is a retrovirus.
A viral agent possessing a distinctive enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which enables it to duplicate within newly infected cells.
A variety of virus characterized by its genetic material being RNA instead of DNA. It employs an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase to generate DNA from the RNA template. This resultant DNA can be integrated into the cells of its host. A prominent illustration of a retrovirus is HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).