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#reverse transcriptase

10 public questions tagged with this topic.

ZOOLOGY

Which of the following enzymes is used in recombinant DNA technology to synthesize complementary DNA (cDNA) from mRNA?

Reverse transcriptase synthesizes complementary DNA (cDNA) from an mRNA template, a key step in cloning eukaryotic genes. This follows from latest NCERT 2026-27 principle explaining the concept clearly for NEET students in simple steps as per rationalized syllabus.

Ref: NCERT Biology Textbook - Latest Edition for Academic Session 2026-27 (Zoology section, Rationalized Textbook for Class XI and XII), Chapter: Biology - Zoology portion (Latest NCERT Textbooks for Academic Session 2026-27 - Rationalized Edition for Class XI and XII), Topic: Structural organization, physiology, human health and related concepts as per latest syllabus.

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ZOOLOGY

Which enzyme is used to synthesize DNA from an RNA template?

Reverse transcriptase synthesizes complementary DNA (cDNA) from an RNA template. This follows from NCERT principle where the relation explains the outcome clearly for students in simple steps.

Ref: NCERT Biology Textbook for Class XI and XII (Zoology section), Chapter: Principles of Inheritance, Molecular Basis of Inheritance and Biotechnology, Topic: Genetics, DNA techniques and applications.

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Transposable elements

Retrotransposons encode which enzyme?

Retrotransposons lack transposase sufficient for cut-and-paste but encode reverse transcriptase capable of synthesizing DNA from RNA template, essential for copy-and-paste replicative expansion. LTR retrotransposons encode Pol protein containing reverse transcriptase, RNase H, and integrase domains homologous to retroviruses, while non-LTR LINEs encode ORF2p with apurinic endonuclease and reverse transcriptase activities mediating target-primed reverse transcription. Without reverse transcriptase, RNA intermediate could not be converted to integratable cDNA, rendering retrotransposition impossible, hence its conservation in autonomous retroelements. This principle illustrates essential molecular mechanisms governing replication fidelity and mutation fixation relevant for exam interpretation.

Ref: NCBI Bookshelf, Biochemistry, Section: Reverse Transcriptase Requirement for Retrotransposons

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Gene and Genome

Retroviruses contain genome which is:

Retroviruses such as HIV, MLV and HTLV store genetic information as two copies of positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of 7-12 kb containing gag, pol and env genes flanked by long terminal repeats. Positive-sense denotes same polarity as mRNA, translatable although retroviruses first reverse transcribe RNA into double-stranded DNA provirus using virion reverse transcriptase. Diploid RNA allows recombination during reverse transcription, enhancing diversity. Packaging two RNAs ensures repair of breaks and promotes strand switching. Genome organization distinguishes them from negative- and double-stranded RNA viruses.

Ref: Coffin JM, Hughes SH, Varmus HE, Retroviruses, Cold Spring Harbor Press: Retrovirus Genome is ssRNA Positive Sense

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Sequencing

Which enzyme is required for reverse transcription in RNA-seq?

RNA-seq platforms sequence DNA, so RNA must be reverse transcribed. Reverse transcriptase, an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase derived from retroviruses such as M-MLV or AMV, synthesizes complementary DNA, cDNA, from RNA template using oligo-dT, random hexamer or gene-specific primers. RNase H or second-strand synthesis then generates double-stranded cDNA suitable for adapter ligation and PCR amplification. RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from DNA, DNA polymerase requires DNA template, and ligase joins nicks. Only reverse transcriptase possesses RNA to DNA polymerase activity essential for initial conversion.

Ref: NCERT Biology Class XII Principles on Klenow fill-in labeling, Lehninger Chapter 9 DNA cloning techniques, and Molecular Cloning by Sambrook Chapter 10 documenting end-labeling of cohesive termini.

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