RdRP
RdRP
RdRP (pronounced as /ɑːr.diː.ɑːr.piː/), also known as RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the replication of RNA from an RNA template. This process is a vital component in the life cycle of certain viruses, including coronaviruses and picornaviruses.
Etymology
The term RdRP is an acronym derived from the full name of the enzyme, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The name describes the enzyme's function, with "RNA-dependent" indicating that the enzyme uses RNA as a template, and "RNA polymerase" referring to the enzyme's ability to create a new RNA strand.
Function
RdRP is crucial for the replication of RNA viruses. It synthesizes a new strand of RNA using the viral RNA as a template. This process is different from the replication of DNA viruses, which use DNA-dependent DNA polymerase. RdRP is also responsible for the transcription of the viral genome into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then used to produce viral proteins.
Related Terms
- Virus Replication: The process by which a virus makes copies of itself within a host cell. RdRP plays a crucial role in this process for RNA viruses.
- RNA Virus: A type of virus that has RNA as its genetic material. These viruses rely on RdRP for replication.
- Coronavirus: A family of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, they cause respiratory tract infections. RdRP is a key enzyme in the life cycle of these viruses.
- Picornavirus: A family of viruses that includes the polioviruses, rhinoviruses, and hepatitis A virus. These viruses also rely on RdRP for replication.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on RdRP
- Wikipedia's article - RdRP
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