Concept explainers
Knowing that retroviruses operate on the principle of reversing the direction of transcription from RNA to DNA, propose a drug that might possibly interfere with their replication.
To analyze:
A possible drug that can interfere with the replication of retroviruses.
Introduction:
It is given that the retroviruses begin their replication with the conversion of their RNA into DNA. This is carried out by a specific type of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase carried by the retroviruses.
Explanation of Solution
Retroviruses are a unique group of viruses, that carry RNA as their genetic material, but need to convert it to DNA in the host. For this, they make use of the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which is a DNA polymerase that reads RNA as the template. After converting the RNA to DNA, the DNA serves as the master code for the synthesis of all proteins needed for the replication of the virus.
A drug to control such a virus could focus on this interesting mechanism of reverse transcription. If the drug can bind to reverse transcriptase and inhibit its activity in some way (such as preventing it from binding to the RNA template, or blocking the active sites that polymerize the DNA), it can prevent the replication of the virus. This can bring the virus under control.
Retroviruses rely on the enzyme reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA to DNA; this is an essential step in the replication of the virus. If a drug can inhibit the activity of reverse transcriptase, it can prevent the virus from replicating.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 9 Solutions
Foundations in Microbiology
- Describe the functions of the transcriptase/replicase complex in coronavirus replication.arrow_forwardConsidering that each virus must bind to a specific cell surface receptor for attachment, explain how you would create a drug that prevents viral attachment.arrow_forwardSimian Virus 40 is carcinogenic in primates. 1). which molecule of the virus 2). what particular property of the molecule that enable the malignant transformation.arrow_forward
- Compare how retroviruses solve the problem of replicating an RNA genome in a eukaryotic host with how other types of RNA viruses solve this same problem.arrow_forwardExplain the difference between a virus and a retrovirus. Give an example of both. Thank youarrow_forwardSome retroviruses that have a wide host range have been developed for use in treatment of diseases or syndromes. These viruses do not result in a productive infection because they lack critical genes for viral replication, but they do carry DNA sequences that allow them to be packaged into infectious particles. Once in the host cell the viral DNA is released and integrates into the cell's genome. The advantage to this strategy is that the delivery of the DNA is very efficient. What is one possible problem of using a virus that can integrate into the human nuclear genome? Multiple Choice The virus carries genes that will interfere with host cell activities. The viral DNA sequences could still cause a disease. Since the viral DNA sequences no longer contain essential genes for viral replication the host cell may not be able to replicate either. The integration could disrupt an essential gene or genes.arrow_forward
- HPV viruses have a distinct capability to evade confrontation with the human immune system? Give three basic virus properties responsible for this capability.arrow_forwardWhy can protease inhibitors and nucleoside analogs be used in minimizing the replication of the HIV virus?arrow_forwardMany viruses have the ability to resurrect dead cells. Why would investigating this feature of viruses be relevantarrow_forward
- Give a short discussion of the lytic and lysogenic phases in the lifecycle of certain viruses. the discussion should include the common stages encountered in viral replication.arrow_forwardCoronaviruses have a positive-sense single stranded RNA genome. a.) What is the genome replication strategy of this category of viruses? b.) How do you think this feature affects the stability of the viral genome? (hint use figure below) Mutation rates in different types of viruses. Estimates obtained for viruses belonging to the major indicated groups are shown as a function of genome size. This reveals an effect of genetic material (RNA/DNA) and genome size on viral mutation rates.arrow_forwardAnswer the following 1.Are viruses living or non-living organisms? 2. What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? 3. HIV is classified as a retrovirus. What are retroviruses? 4. In your own words, provide a short summary of the HIV replication cycle. 5. Why is reverse transcriptase an important enzyme in the replication cycle of HIV? 6. In the chapter about enzymes, we have discussed how drugs are basically inhibitors. There are currently a multitude of Antiretroviral therapy (ART or ARV) options available to people living with HIV (PLHIV) so that the viral replication is suppressed and does not progress to AIDS. What do you think these drugs target? Discuss briefly. 7. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes CoVid-19, belongs to the Coronaviridae family. Viruses under this family have a genome made of single-stranded positive-sense RNA. Is this similar to the viral genome of HIV? If so, do you think that – in theory – they would have similar replication cycles? 8. In your own opinion, do…arrow_forward
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)BiologyISBN:9780134580999Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. HoehnPublisher:PEARSONBiology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStaxAnatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781259398629Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa StouterPublisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
- Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)BiologyISBN:9780815344322Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter WalterPublisher:W. W. Norton & CompanyLaboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781260159363Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, CynthiaPublisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)BiologyISBN:9781260231700Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael WindelspechtPublisher:McGraw Hill Education