MasteryExams
General Science • BiologyHard

Which enzyme is responsible for the replication of RNA viral genomes without a DNA intermediate?

A. Reverse transcriptase
B. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase✓ Correct Answer
C. DNA polymerase III
D. Taq polymerase

💡 Solution & Explanation

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is an essential enzyme utilized by RNA viruses to catalyze the replication of their RNA strands without requiring a DNA intermediate. Reverse transcriptase is used by retroviruses like HIV to transcribe single-stranded RNA into double-stranded DNA. Understanding viral replication enzymes helps explain the mechanisms of action of various antiviral drugs.

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