Retroviruses: Microbial Supervillains

The video explores viruses, focusing on retroviruses and their ability to alter host DNA using reverse transcriptase. It highlights the dangers of retroviruses, using HIV as a key example, and discusses treatments that slow its progression. The video also examines the evolutionary impact of retroviruses on the human genome and their potential use in medical treatments, despite challenges in gene therapy applications.

What is the primary function of ribosomes in a virus-infected cell?

• To integrate viral DNA into the host genome

• To destroy the virus

• To produce antibodies

• To read viral RNA and produce proteins

How do retroviruses differ from regular viruses in their method of infection?

• They do not require a host cell to replicate

• They only infect bacterial cells

• They integrate their genetic material into the host's DNA

• They are larger than regular viruses

What role does reverse transcriptase play in the life cycle of a retrovirus?

• It produces antibodies against the virus

• It destroys the host cell's DNA

• It converts viral RNA into DNA

• It helps the virus attach to the host cell

What is one of the main challenges in using retroviruses for gene therapy?

• They are easily destroyed by the immune system

• They may insert genes in unpredictable locations

• They are too small to carry therapeutic genes

• They cannot be used to treat any diseases

What percentage of the human genome is estimated to have originated from retroviruses?

• 50% to 60%

• 10% to 20%

• 1% to 8%

• 0.1% to 0.5%