Question

What is ‘reverse transcription’?

Answer 1

Reverse transcription is a biological process in which genetic information flows backwards from RNA to DNA, contradicting the traditional central dogma of molecular biology. This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which uses a single-stranded RNA template to synthesise a matching strand of complementary DNA (cDNA). Originally discovered in retroviruses like HIV, this mechanism allows these viruses to integrate their genetic material into the host cell’s genome for replication. Beyond viruses, reverse transcription is a vital tool in biotechnology, particularly in RT-PCR testing, where it is used to convert viral or cellular RNA into DNA so it can be amplified and studied for medical diagnostics or genetic research.