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| − | A '''retrovirus''' is a non-living obligate intracellular parasite. It consists of a small genome of RNA and a protein coat called a capsid. The retrovirus enters a host [[cell (biology)|cell]] and releases its genetic material into the cytosol. Through the use of reverse transcriptase, the virus transforms its RNA genome into DNA and then splices it into the host cells genome. The integrated viral |
+ | A '''retrovirus''' is a non-living obligate intracellular [[parasite]]. It consists of a small [[genome]] of RNA and a [[protein]] coat called a capsid. The retrovirus enters a host [[cell (biology)|cell]] and releases its genetic material into the cytosol. Through the use of reverse transcriptase, the virus transforms its RNA genome into [[DNA]] and then splices it into the host cells genome. The integrated viral DNA is now called a provirus and will be transcribed along with the host cell's proteins. The provirus codes for the [[protein]]s in the capsid and for the reverse transcriptase [[enzyme]]. The replication of viral components within the host cell may or may not kill the host cell. Destruction of the host cell is called lysis. |
| − | Retroviruses may be used as a vector to introduce foreign [[gene]]s into a cell. The [[Taresian |
+ | Retroviruses may be used as a vector to introduce foreign [[gene]]s into a cell. The [[Taresian]]s use retroviruses to transform males from other species into Taresians for mating purposes. ([[VOY]]: "[[Favorite Son]]") |
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| + | ==External Links== |
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| + | *{{wikipedia|Retrovirus}} |
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| + | [[Category:Animals]] |
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Revision as of 17:28, 12 August 2006
A retrovirus is a non-living obligate intracellular parasite. It consists of a small genome of RNA and a protein coat called a capsid. The retrovirus enters a host cell and releases its genetic material into the cytosol. Through the use of reverse transcriptase, the virus transforms its RNA genome into DNA and then splices it into the host cells genome. The integrated viral DNA is now called a provirus and will be transcribed along with the host cell's proteins. The provirus codes for the proteins in the capsid and for the reverse transcriptase enzyme. The replication of viral components within the host cell may or may not kill the host cell. Destruction of the host cell is called lysis.
Retroviruses may be used as a vector to introduce foreign genes into a cell. The Taresians use retroviruses to transform males from other species into Taresians for mating purposes. (VOY: "Favorite Son")