Questions: Question number 7
What is the enzyme found in HIV that produces multiple mutations keeping the production of new HIV viruses ahead of the immune system?
Endonuclease
Glucokinase
Reverse transcriptase
Cis proline isomerase
Transcript text: Question number 7
What is the enzyme found in HIV that produces multiple mutations keeping the production of new HIV viruses ahead of the immune system?
Endonuclease
Glucokinase
Reverse transcriptase
Cis proline isomerase
Solution
The answer is the third one: Reverse transcriptase.
Explanation for each option:
Endonuclease: This enzyme cuts DNA at specific sites, but it is not involved in the replication of HIV or the introduction of mutations in the viral genome.
Glucokinase: This enzyme is involved in glucose metabolism and has no role in the replication or mutation of HIV.
Reverse transcriptase: This is the correct answer. Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme used by HIV to convert its RNA genome into DNA. During this process, it lacks proofreading ability, which leads to a high mutation rate. This high mutation rate allows HIV to rapidly evolve and stay ahead of the immune system.
Cis proline isomerase: This enzyme is involved in protein folding and is not directly related to the mutation process in HIV.
In summary, reverse transcriptase is the enzyme responsible for the high mutation rate in HIV, allowing it to evade the immune system.