A retrovirus is a type of virus that inserts a DNA copy of its RNA genome into the DNA of a host cell that it invades, thus changing the genome of that cell. [2] . After invading a host cell's cytoplasm, the virus uses its own reverse transcriptase enzyme to produce DNA from its RNA genome, the reverse of the usual pattern, thus retro (backward).

The family Retroviridae comprises two subfamilies and eleven genera. Retroviruses are widespread in nature and are found in a wide variety of vertebrate hosts. Virions are 80-100 nm in diameter, have a lipid envelope that displays the viral glycoproteins, and an inner protein core that contains the viral genome and replicative enzymes.

Feb 28, 2025 · Retrovirus, any of a group of viruses that belong to the family Retroviridae and that characteristically carry their genetic blueprint in the form of ribonucleic acid (RNA). Retroviruses cause tumor growth and certain cancers in animals and are associated with slow infections of …

5 days ago · A retrovirus is a virus that uses RNA as its genomic material. Upon infection with a retrovirus, a cell converts the retroviral RNA into DNA, which in turn is inserted into the DNA of the host cell. The cell then produces more retroviruses, which infect other cells.

Retroviridae: The retroviruses and their replication. In: Knipe, D.M. and Howley, P.M. (Eds.), Fields Virology , 5th edn. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, pp. 1999-2069.

Mar 11, 2025 · The meaning of RETROVIRIDAE is a family of single-stranded RNA viruses that produce reverse transcriptase by means of which DNA is synthesized using their RNA as a template and incorporated into the genome of infected cells, that are often tumorigenic, and that include the foamy viruses, HIV, HTLV-I, Rous sarcoma virus, SIV, and the causative ...

Mar 1, 2019 · Retroviruses are a type of virus in the viral family called Retroviridae. They use RNA as their genetic material and are named for a special enzyme that’s a vital part of their life cycle ...

May 22, 2023 · A retrovirus is a type of RNA virus. RNA viruses have genes encoded in RNA instead of DNA. Like other viruses, retroviruses need to use the cellular machinery of the organisms they infect to make copies of themselves. Infection by a retrovirus, however, requires an additional step.

Aug 5, 2024 · Retroviruses are unique, enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses. They exhibit a spherical shape and have a distinct mode of replication. The key feature of retroviruses is the presence of an enzyme called reverse transcriptase.

Retrovirus meaning – It is a group of RNA viruses that inserts a DNA copy of its genome into the host cell in order to replicate. It consists of two concentric outer circles of the lipid bilayer that contains the envelope protein complex embedded in it. The capsid proteins are hexagonal.