As discussed in Chapter 17, some viruses contain RNA as their genetic material. Certain RNA viruses can exist as a provirus in which the viral genetic material has been inserted into the chromosomal DNA of the host cell. For this to happen, the viral RNA must be copied into a strand of DNA. An enzyme called reverse transcriptase, encoded by the viral genome, copies the viral RNA into a complementary strand of DNA. The strand of DNA is then used as a template to make a double-stranded DNA molecule. This double-stranded DNA molecule is then inserted into the chromosomal DNA, where it may exist as a provirus for a long period of time.
A. How is the function of reverse transcriptase similar to the function of telomerase?
B. Unlike DNA polymerase, reverse transcriptase does not have a proofreading function. How might this affect the proliferation of the virus?