Integrase
Integrase
Integrase (/ɪnˈtɛɡreɪz/) is an enzyme produced by a retrovirus that enables its genetic material to be integrated into the DNA of the infected cell.
Etymology
The term "integrase" is derived from the word "integrate", referring to the enzyme's function of integrating the viral DNA into the host cell's DNA.
Function
Integrase is crucial for the life cycle of a retrovirus. After the retrovirus has entered a cell, it uses its own reverse transcriptase enzyme to produce DNA from its RNA genome. The newly produced DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome by the integrase enzyme. This allows the virus to effectively hide within the host's cells and evade the immune system.
Related Terms
- Retrovirus: A type of virus that uses RNA as its genetic material instead of DNA. Retroviruses are unique in that they replicate by reverse transcription, a process that involves the creation of DNA from an RNA template.
- Reverse Transcriptase: An enzyme used by retroviruses to create DNA from their RNA genome.
- Viral Replication: The process by which a virus makes copies of itself within a host cell.
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in the development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.
See Also
- HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a type of retrovirus that causes AIDS.
- AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a disease of the human immune system caused by the HIV virus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Integrase
- Wikipedia's article - Integrase
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