Retrovirus

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-024225",
  "term": "Retrovirus",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A type of virus that stores its genetic information in a single-stranded RNA molecule and constructs a double-stranded DNA version of its genes using a special enzyme called reverse transcriptase. The DNA copy is then integrated into the host cell’s own genetic material.\n\n2. A retrovirus is a virus that uses RNA as its genetic material. When a retrovirus infects a cell, it makes a DNA copy of its genome that is inserted into the DNA of the host cell. There are a variety of different retroviruses that cause human diseases, including the common cold, some forms of cancer, and AIDS.\n\n3. A type of virus that has RNA instead of DNA as its genetic material. It uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to become part of the host cells' DNA. This allows many copies of the virus to be made in the host cells. The virus that causes AIDS, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is a type of retrovirus.",
  "references": [
    "NIH AIDS Info Glossary",
    "NIH Genetics Home Reference Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/retrovirus/"
}