Question

How can reverse transcriptase inhibitors slow the replication of DNA? Give an example that lay persons without this knowledge could understand, and why they need to know it.

Answer 1

Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that is found in retrovirus (example- HIV virus). When the HIV virus infects a healthy cell, it tries to make own copies inside the host cell (human cell). They make own copies using the enzyme called reverse transcriptase. Without this enzyme, HIV can not make new copies of itself inside the host cell.

(This enzyme (reverse transcriptase) forms the double-stranded DNA from single-stranded RNA of the virus that is required for replication of HIV virus. Thus, the HIV virus uses this enzyme for the infection of human or reproduction inside the host cell causing AIDS).

The reverse transcriptase inhibitors block the enzyme reverse transcriptase and prevent the completion of synthesis of the double-stranded viral DNA. Thus, reverse transcriptase inhibitors do not allow the HIV virus to replicate or reproduction inside the host cell or human cell and hence, and used in the treatment of AIDS.

There is a need to know about them because many reverse transcriptase inhibitors drug may not be effective to some people. Therefore, alternative drugs or approach can be suggested.