Q. Which one of the following enzymes is encoded by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genome?
(A) Reverse transcriptase
(B) Phospholipase
(C) Phosphatase
(D) ATP synthase
Ans: Reverse transcriptase
Solution:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) encodes the enzyme Reverse Transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase is a crucial enzyme used by HIV to convert its single-stranded RNA genome into double-stranded DNA. This DNA can then integrate into the host cell’s genome, leading to the establishment of a persistent infection. The reverse transcription step is an essential part of the HIV replication cycle, making reverse transcriptase an attractive target for antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.