Question

Why do Group VI viruses have sense RNA that does NOT act like mRNA when they infect cells?

Answer 1

Retrovirus are classified under Group VI viruses. Retrovirus like Lenti Virus, HIV etc. have single stranded Sense RNA which converts SS RNA into DNA in host cell by using an enzyme known as reverse trancriptase. Basically retrovirus are Obligate parasites, which means host is mandatory for reproducing the proteins of retroviruses. Normally in translation process DNA converts into RNA and finally into protein with the help of mRNA. mRNA translated into proteins within cell organelles like Ribosomes. Whereas cell organelles like Ribosomes for necessary production of viral proteins are absent in Retroviruses. It is mandatory to identify suitable host incorporate its SS RNA into hosts genome for replication. Once SS RNA converts into DNA with the help of reverse transcriptase enzyme it became part of the host cell and required organelles available for replication.